Court’s Decision:
The Bombay High Court heard a writ petition filed by Kavin Kartik and others challenging the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to exclude Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders from participating in cricket tournaments organized by the BCCI. The Court granted the BCCI two weeks to file an affidavit in reply to the petition.
Facts of the Case:
The petitioners filed the writ petition seeking to quash and set aside the BCCI’s decision, which was made during a meeting on December 18, 2023, and communicated to the secretaries of all BCCI-affiliated associations via a letter dated April 30, 2024. The petitioners argued that this decision unfairly excluded PIO/OCI cardholders from participating in cricket tournaments at the district, state, and national levels under the aegis of the BCCI.
Issues:
The primary issue was whether the BCCI’s decision to exclude PIO/OCI cardholders from participating in its cricket tournaments was lawful and whether it violated the rights of the petitioners.
Court’s Directives:
The Court directed the BCCI to file an affidavit in reply by September 9, 2024, and serve a copy on the petitioners’ advocates.
The petitioners were granted the opportunity to file an affidavit in rejoinder by September 18, 2024.
The matter was scheduled for the next hearing on September 23, 2024.
Conclusion:
The Bombay High Court has taken the petition under consideration and has provided both parties with deadlines to submit their respective affidavits. The Court’s decision to grant time for filing replies and rejoinders indicates that it is giving due consideration to the issues raised in the petition. The outcome of the case will be further deliberated in the hearing scheduled for September 23, 2024.