Jammu: In a significant development for cricket administration in Jammu and Kashmir, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has approved the Constitution of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), as finalized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The Court has also directed that elections to JKCA be conducted in conformity with this approved Constitution at the earliest. Brig Anil Gupta, Member Administration of the JKCA Sub-Committee, confirmed the Supreme Court’s ruling, stating that objections raised by certain cricket clubs against the BCCI-approved Constitution were dismissed. “The Supreme Court upheld the Constitution finalized by the BCCI, ensuring that the electoral process can now proceed without further hurdles,” he said. The process of restructuring the JKCA began in March 2021 when the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu and Kashmir handed over the affairs of the Association to the BCCI, mandating it to oversee the administration, management, and elections of a new governing body. The Court also directed the drafting of a new Constitution in line with the recommendations of the Lodha Committee, as approved by the Supreme Court. In compliance with this directive, the BCCI’s Apex Council appointed a Committee, which later formed a Sub-Committee on June 16, 2021, to streamline the association’s functioning. “The Sub-Committee diligently worked to introduce accountability and transparency in JKCA’s administration and selection process. After extensive consultations with stakeholders, including affiliated clubs, a draft Constitution was finalized, vetted by the BCCI’s legal team, and subsequently approved,” Brig Gupta elaborated. In July 2024, the approved Constitution was submitted for registration with the Registrar of Societies, Jammu, to initiate the electoral process. However, due to interference from certain vested interests, the registration was delayed until the Supreme Court’s intervention. “The JKCA was previously operating under a Constitution formulated in 1957. With today’s ruling, we now have a modern and legally validated framework that aligns with national cricketing standards,” Brig Gupta added. During the Supreme Court hearing, the BCCI was represented by Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, assisted by Advocate Achyut Dubey. The JKCA Sub-Committee was represented by Brig Anil Gupta and international cricketer Mithun Manhas. With this landmark decision, the path is now clear for democratic elections within the JKCA, marking a new era for cricket administration in the region.
