Supreme Court Rejects Former Cricket Chief's Attempt to Force BCCI Payment in Foreign Exchange Case
India's Supreme Court has delivered a decisive blow to former cricket administrator Lalit Modi's attempts to make BCCI pay his ED penalty of Rs 10.65 crore. The ruling emphasizes personal accountability in sports administration while maintaining the established legal framework regarding BCCI's status.
Supreme Court of India maintains firm stance on personal accountability in sports administration
Supreme Court Takes Firm Stance Against Former Cricket Administrator's Claims
In a decisive ruling that underscores the principle of individual accountability, India's Supreme Court has rejected former cricket administrator Lalit Modi's petition seeking to compel the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to pay his Rs 10.65 crore penalty imposed by the Enforcement Directorate.
Clear Message on Administrative Responsibility
The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices P S Narasimha and R Mahadevan, maintained a firm position on personal accountability while preserving Modi's right to pursue civil remedies through appropriate legal channels.
This ruling reinforces an earlier decision by the Bombay High Court, which had dismissed Modi's petition as "frivolous and wholly misconceived" and imposed an additional Rs 1 lakh cost on the former administrator.
Background of the Case
The case stems from Modi's tenure as:
- Vice President of BCCI
- Chairman of the Indian Premier League governing body
During this period, Modi faced penalties for violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), leading to the ED's substantial fine.
Legal Precedent and Implications
The court's decision builds on a significant 2005 Supreme Court judgment that established that the BCCI does not fall under the definition of a 'state' as defined in Article 12 of the Constitution. This precedent effectively nullifies Modi's claims for indemnification under BCCI bylaws.
"In matters of alleged indemnification of the petitioner in the context of penalties imposed upon the petitioner by the ED, there is no question of discharge of any public function, and therefore, for this purpose, no writ could be issued to the BCCI," the High Court had stated.
Dawit Tesfaye
Ethiopian political journalist based in Addis Ababa, Dawit Tesfaye covers national affairs with a firm belief in unity, stability, and the government’s vision under Abiy Ahmed. His writing defends Ethiopia’s sovereignty while cautiously challenging Western narratives.