Supreme Court sends notices to BCCI, N Srinivasan

CHENNAI: The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday sent notices to BCCI and India Cements vice-chairman and MD N Srinivasan seeking their response to the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by former BCCI president and Spic chairman AC Muthiah.

In his PIL, Mr Muthiah had contended Mr Srinivasan’s role as BCCI member and IPL owner, citing conflict of interest. He also said BCCI had amended regulation 6.2.4 to favour Mr Srinivasan’s bid for the Chennai franchise.

While this petition was dismissed by a single bench and the Madras High Court, the SC decided to admit the matter and subsequently sent notices to BCCI and India Cements chief N Srinivasan seeking their counter.

Mr Muthiah welcomed the SC’s decision. "Right now, it is subjudice. But I’m glad the Supreme Court is seized of the matter and they have sent notices to BCCI and Mr Srinivasan. The steps taken by the Supreme Court gladdens me," he told reporters in Chennai.

Noting that all along he had been highlighting the "conflict of interest," he said the current IPL mess could have been avoided if his advice was paid heed to then.

The Apex Court would take up the matter in August. While the court initially wanted to take up the matter in September, Muthiah’s lawyers said BCCI’s general body meeting takes place in the same month and therefore the case should be pushed earlier. "I’m glad the SC has decided to take up the case in August," Mr Muthiah said.

Mr Srinivasan on the other hand, could not be contacted for comments.

However, the India Cements baron has already put in a caveat that the case should be heard only in his and BCCI’s presence.

On whether former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi would be his partner in waging this battle against Mr Srinivasan and BCCI, Mr Muthiah said, "I am neutral."