SC sets new date for RCA elections

Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi got relief after the Supreme Court allowed his application and fixed March 1 for holding elections to the Rajasthan Cricket Association, reports Bhadra Sinha.

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi got relief after the Supreme Court allowed his application and fixed March 1 for holding elections to the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA).

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Modi is contesting for the president's post.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan rescheduled the dates and appointed Justice NM Kasliwal, a retired Supreme Court judge, as election officer. He will supervise the elections that will take place under the unamended constitution of the RCA as per the apex court's earlier directions of February 11, 2005.

Earlier, the RCA had fixed February 22 for holding the elections. The Bench said nominations would have to be completed within three days and that nominations, already filed and held valid, would be taken on record and those who are willing to file can do so.

Modi had approached the SC praying for a direction to the RCA to hold elections under the old constitution. As per the unamended constitution, all powers related to holding elections, calling meetings and taking decisions to represent the RCA in the BCCI are vested with the president.

However, these powers have been granted to the secretary under the new constitution.

Modi had moved SC since he wanted the elections to be held under the old constitution and also sought for the appointment of a panel of observers.

He further wanted the panel of observers, at the instance of SC, to decide the date and venue of elections.

Modi's application in SC was filed after RCA secretary Subhash Joshi took a decision to hold elections on February 22.

Appearing for Modi, senior counsel Harish Salve said there was no objection if the elections were held under the unamended constitution as pe r the apex court order of February 11, 2005.