HC no to PIL seeking to stall proposed elections to TNCA

The Madras High Court today refused to entertain a PIL seeking to stall elections proposed to be held tomorrow to Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).
The first bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan, gave the order when a PIL filed by an erstwhile cricket player Srinivason came up before it.
The petitioner sought postponment of the elections, saying the Supreme Court is likely to issue a set of guidelines based on the recommendations of Justice Lodha committee.
The bench noted that the issues arising from the Justice Lodha committee recommendations are before the Supreme Court and the matter was still being examined.

"The endeavor of the petitioner seems to be to disturb the present administration through a process of a writ under Article 226 of the Constitution rather than under the bye-laws of the Society. We cannot permit the same."
"As to what will be the fate of the overall structure of the cricketing association, it appears it would be determined by the Supreme Court," the bench said.

The petitioner also sought a direction to appoint an administrator to administer TNCA enabling to make necessary amendments in the Memorandum of Association and to hold the elections in a democratic manner.
Srinivason, who had played for Tamil Nadu and Railways, besides junior Ranji Trophy, elaborated on the Justice Lodha committee report, saying it had mentioned it was not satisfied with the functioning of various bodies associated with cricket.

Alleging that all 31 districts in Tamil Nadu had not been permitted to participate in the voting process, he said selection of members are decided by votes by 151 cricket clubs, of whom more than 100 are run by individuals.
The petitioner also alleged that district committees were not conducting sporting activities nor general body meetings for several years. "The very existence of these were only for casting votes and as a result TNCA was unable to win Ranji Trophy since 1987.
He further alleged that despite the Justice Lodha Committee recommendations that ex-cricketers should be part of administration, not a single cricketer had found a place in the TNCA executive committee.

Srinivason said the proxy voting system should be abolished and all district associations should adhere to the Justice Lodha committee's recommendations.
Dismissing the PIL, the bench said the petitioner was seeking appointment of an administrator in TNCA to enable necessary amendment to be made to give a more democratic structure in line with Lodha committee recommendations.
"We are not inclined to entertain the present petition at this stage as to the structure. Writ petition is dismissed," the bench said.