Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 20-08-2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioner: Secretary, Bihar Cricket Association
  • Respondent: Bihar Cricket Association & Ors.
  • Application Numbers: Miscellaneous Application Nos.1930‑1931/2025 in SLP(C) No.21132‑21133/2025; IA Nos.120597/2026, 113900/2026, 87168/2026, 252923/2025.
  • Hearing Details: Heard on 20‑08‑2026 at 3.00 PM by Hon'ble Mr. Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Hon'ble Mr. Justice K.V. Viswanathan.
  • Background: On 12‑08‑2025 the Supreme Court appointed Hon'ble Mr. Justice Nageswara Rao as Ombudsman of the BCA. The Ombudsman submitted a detailed report dated 26‑02‑2026 (BCA/Ombudsman/Complaint No.6/2025) highlighting irregularities in the 2025 BCA elections, unlawful ad‑hoc committees, improper preparation of the electoral roll, and violations of the BCA Amended Rules and Regulations, 2025.
  • Key Findings of Ombudsman Report:
  • The Amended Rules and Regulations, 2025 were not registered with the Registrar of Societies.
  • No procedural rules for elections were framed as required under Rule 34.
  • Resolutions dated 19‑01‑2025 and 25‑05‑2025 dealt only with eligibility, not with procedural rules.
  • The Electoral Officer lacks authority to verify the voters’ list; the Ombudsman holds broader powers.
  • The Committee of Management interfered illegally with District Cricket Association (DCA) elected committees.
  • Specific grievance from Jehanabad DCA regarding staggered tenures resulting from an unconventional interpretation of bye‑laws.
  • Recommendations (Paragraphs 89‑91 of the Report):

1. Extend the Ombudsman’s minimum tenure to three years and introduce an impeachment mechanism requiring a 3/4 majority of the General Body.

2. Appoint an Administrator to verify the electoral college across all DCAs, ensuring only valid member clubs participate and providing due‑process notice for any removal or addition.

3. Conduct fresh elections after the Administrator completes verification, as the 2025 elections were not free and fair.

Final Outcome

1. The Court appoints Hon'ble Mr. Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh, former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, as Administrator of the Bihar Cricket Association.

2. The Administrator shall act in accordance with the Ombudsman’s recommendations, particularly Paragraph 91, to verify the electoral college and oversee fresh elections.

3. Hon'ble Mr. Justice Deepak Gupta, former Judge of this Court, is re‑appointed as Ombudsman of the BCA.

4. The fees of the Administrator and related modalities will be fixed in consultation with the parties.

5. The Court notes objections on record to the Ombudsman’s report and will consider them at a later stage.

6. As an interim measure, all recommendations are to come into force immediately, and parties are directed to extend full cooperation to the Administrator.

7. The matter is listed for further hearing on 08‑10‑2026 at 3.00 PM.

Topics: Sports Governance, Election Dispute