Judiciary Being Dragged Into Hyderabad Cricket Association Administration Dispute: CJI

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court had earlier expressed its disapproval towards the functioning of the Hyderabad Cricket Association, headed by former Indian Cricket Team Captain Mohd Azharuddin, and the row over the appointment of a former Supreme Court Judge as the ombudsman.

While listing the matter for further hearing on Wednesday(October 27), a Bench comprising CJI NV Ramana, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Hima Kohli orally observed that it will appoint some retired judges of the Supreme Court to inquire into the issue.

The matter was the first case heard through physical mode on Thursday, before the Supreme Court.The Bench orally observed that former Supreme Court judge Justice Deepak Verma be asked to not pass any orders as the Ombudsman and ethics officer since his tenure has come to an end.

When the case came up for hearing on Wednesday, the SC issued a notice in pleas filed challenging Telangana High Court’s order upholding the appointment of former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Deepak Verma as ombudsman and ethics officer for the Hyderabad Cricket Association.

The bench has directed both the President and the Secretary of the Hyderabad Cricket Association to jointly sign the cheques till the matters are finally heard by the Top Court, so that the day-to-day functioning of the Association is not hampered for the time being.

The Bench was hearing special leave petitions two of which have been filed by Charminar Cricket Club and Budding Star Cricket Club, two Cricket Clubs and members of the HCA, against the order of the Telangana High Court dated April 6th, 2021.

Also Read: Supreme Court to Order Inquiry into HCA Operations

Through the impugned order, the High Court had set aside an order of the Civil Court suspending the Hyderabad Cricket Association’s decision to appoint former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Deepak Verma as ombudsman and ethics officer for the Hyderabad Cricket Association. 

The Telangana high court had in April this year upheld the appointment of former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Deepak Verma as ombudsman and ethics officer for the Hyderabad Cricket Association.

This had come in a plea filed by Charminar Cricket Club affiliated with HCA challenging the civil court order suspending his appointment. The Charminar Cricket Club and Budding Star Cricket Club are both Cricket Clubs and are members of the HCA.  (Source: Live Law)

Also Read: Hyderabad Cricket Association: No End to HCA Rift