IPL is No More a Clean Tournament, says Bombay High Court
Updated - 30 Jan 2018, 02:59 PM
The Bombay High Court yesterday said Indian Premier League (IPL) is ‘no more a clean tournament’ because of alleged violations of foreign exchange rules. The court also said young cricketers only wants to make money playing in the cash-rich T20 league.
Young players want to play in the famous league and “earn Rs five to ten crore in one tournament and not play for the country”, the court said.
A division bench of Justices S C Dharmadhikari and Bharati Dangre was hearing a petition filed by former IPL chairman Lalit Modi. Modi had challenged a July 2015 order of the adjudicating authority of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) refusing him the permission to cross-examine witnesses in a FEMA case.
The ED had alleged violations of foreign exchange rules during the 2009 edition of the IPL held in South Africa. ED filed the statement of seven witnesses, including senior BCCI officials against Modi. However, they did not allow Modi to re-check them.
Senior counsel Aspi Chinoy, appearing for Modi, argued that his fundamental rights would get violated if he was denied permission to cross-examine the witnesses.
However, the court questioned additional solicitor general Anil Singh, who appeared for the ED, why was case dragged for so long.
“This issue is pending for long. What is the point? The larger public interest is to defeat foreign exchange violations. Looking at the serious allegations, we feel IPL is no more a clean entertainment,” Justice Dharmadhikari stated.
“Young cricketers just want to play in IPL and earn Rs five to ten crore in one tournament and not play for the country,” Dharmadhikari added.
The bench also asked Chinoy whether Lalit Modi is ready to return to India and face the proceedings. Currently, Modi is believed to be in the United Kingdom.
“In future, if your (Lalit Modi’s) presence is required, are you ready to come?” Justice Dharmadhikari asked.
However, Chinoy argued Modi ( his lawyers) should be allowed to cross-examine the witness in the present case first.
The bench is likely to pass an order on the petition tomorrow.
Amid all these, another edition of IPL is ready to kick start with the auction done and dusted. It will kick off on April 7 with a game between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, while the final is scheduled to be played on May 27.
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