Notice issued to BCCI

The Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court,on Thursday,issued notices to Union Sports Ministry and BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) asking them to explain why BCCI was being given privileges without it being a National Sports Federation (NSF). The notice was issued on a PIL filed by Amitabh Thakur,an IPS officer from UP and his wife Dr Nutan Thakur,a social activist. The division bench comprising Justice Uma Nath Singh and Justice V K Dixit has fixed May 17 as the next date for hearing. Additional Solicitor General Ashok Nigam,who has argued on behalf of the Central Government,said,“I informed the court that the Government of India as such does not give any money to the BCCI but grants tax concessions amounting to several hundred crores of rupees.” Nigam confirmed “notices issued to Union Sports Ministry and BCCI,” today.

Petitioner Nutan Thakur who argued the case confirmed,“notices have been issued asking them to explain why BCCI was being given privileges without it being a National Sports Federation.” The petitioner Nutan has alleged that BCCI is using the privileges and benefits of being the de facto NSF for cricket. “It sends nominations for the various Government sports awards like the Dronacharya Award,Arjun Award,etc. BCCI is using the word ‘India’ at the end of its name which shows the patronage being enjoyed from the Government of India while there being no such official patronage on record,” she said. The petitioner also said that she stated that “Department of Sports should direct BCCI to become a recognised National Sports Federation.” The petitioner further stated “if BCCI does not agree to this,then the Department should strip BCCI of any de facto recognition and appoint some other Cricket Association as NSF as per the prevailing Rules.”