Kapil Dev takes HCA to court

CHANDIGARH, JAN 29: Challenging Haryana Cricket Association's functioning, the former Indian cricket skipper Kapil Dev today sought direc...

CHANDIGARH, JAN 29: Challenging Haryana Cricket Association8217;s functioning, the former Indian cricket skipper Kapil Dev today sought directions against Haryana chief minister Bansi Lal8217;s son 8211; Chaudhary Ranbir Singh Mahendra 8211; and retired bureaucrat SK Mishra from holding the office of the honorary secretary and the president.

In his petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Kapil Dev, who was personally present in the court, also sought directions to the respondents for discharging their duties 8220;properly and lawfully in the better interest of the cricket players, public welfare and for the achievements of objectives for which the Association was constituted8221;.

He also asked for restraining Mahendra and Mishra from holding meetings, besides controlling the Association8217;s affairs. The court, he added, may direct any cricketer of repute to take over the Association8217;s management and control till the final decision.

Taking up the petition, a division bench of the High Court, comprising Justice RSMongia and Justice SS Sudhalkar, issued notice of motion for March 4.

Meanwhile, claiming the taking over of the president and the honorary secretary8217;s posts by Mishra and Mahendra almost 12 years ago, Kapil Dev stated that due to manipulations they were still continuing, regardless of the objectives behind the Association8217;s formation.

Mahendra, he added, had inducted 62 relatives and friends8217; as life members even though they had never played cricket for either the State or for the country. On the other hand, he alleged, cricketers like him who had played, not only for the Haryana State but also the country, were not enrolled.Alleging the lack of transparency, he stated that the 8220;accounts were not being circulated8221;. Even the notice regarding the meetings and the minutes were not being issued to the members.

Explaining the reason behind filing the petition as a public interest litigation, besides in representative capacity, he stated that the objective, of encouraging and promoting the game in theState, was not being achieved due to the undemocratic functioning8217;.