Supreme Court Tells BCCI to Handle N. Srinivasan's Conflict of Interest Issue

The Supreme Court on Monday has asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India to handle on its own matters relating to N. Srinivasan's conflict of interest in cricket administration. The Board has been seeking legal clarity on whether former BCCI chief Srinivasan can attend its meetings.

The top court said it is for the BCCI to decide whether conflict of interest still exists with Srinivasan. It is not for the court to constantly monitor the case, the judges said.

BCCI's lawyers have been saying that Srinivasan can't attend BCCI meetings and despite transfer of (Chennai Super Kings) shares, conflict of interest still exists. An important working committee meeting in Kolkata was adjourned on August 28 because Srinivasan was present representing Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.

Meanwhile, Srinivasan has withdrawn the perjury case against BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur. Srinivasan, in a plea last week, had said that Thakur had furnished "false and misleading" information to establish that the former BCCI chief had forcefully attended the August 28 meeting.

Interestingly, on Sunday, newly-elected BCCI president Shashank Manohar had requested Srinivasan to withdraw the perjury case against Thakur. Manohar, who said the BCCI will not be vindictive in its approach, wanted Board matters to be solved internally and not in courtrooms.

Supreme Court rebukes BCCI

"If you have taken a decision on Srinivasan, stick to it. If Srinivasan has a problem, let him seek remedy," the top court said during a hearing on Monday. The Supreme Court also criticised BCCI for approaching court and seeking clarification on Srinivasan's status. (Manohar Terms Srinivasan As "One of the Best Secretaries" of the BCCI)

"Why did you come to us. You want our stamp on your decision. Our January verdict is clear. If you have taken a stand (to) disqualify Srinivasan, stick to it. If Srinivasan has problem let him approach court...both of you are free to fight it out," the judges said.

In January this year, a Supreme Court bench, hearing the 2013 IPL betting and spot-fixing case, said Srinivasan, who owned Chennai Super Kings, should not attend BCCI meeting till he got an all clear on issues related to conflict of interest.

The court had constituted a high-power panel under former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha to review the BCCI's constitution and suggest changes particularly in the conflict of issue clause. The Lodha panel, which suspended CSK and Rajasthan Royals, is yet to submit its report.

(With inputs from A. Vaidyanathan)