Former CEC Achal Kumar Jyoti to oversee polls
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has mandated that elections for the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) be conducted within 12 weeks, overseen by former Chief Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Jyoti.
The decision was made by a Bench led by the Chief Justice of India during a hearing related to the administration of the JKCA, following a petition from concerned parties represented by Advocate Soayib Qureshi. The case stems from a 2017 ruling by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, which appointed a court administrator to manage the JKCA. In March 2021, this order was modified, allowing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to take control of the JKCA’s operations until new elections could be held. The BCCI subsequently established a committee to oversee the JKCA and developed a new constitution, which is pending formal registration. During the proceedings, all parties concurred that the election process should proceed without delay, despite the constitution’s registration status. The court-appointed Amicus Curiae, Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, suggested that the elections be conducted by Achal Kumar Jyoti, who accepted the role and requested a 12-week timeframe to complete the process. The Supreme Court approved this proposal, instructing the BCCI to provide the necessary constitution for the elections to be held in accordance with it. Additionally, the Court addressed related issues concerning other state cricket associations, approving amendments to the Bihar Cricket Association’s constitution for immediate registration. It also acknowledged proposed constitutional amendments from the Andhra Pradesh and Vidarbha Cricket Associations, directing the Amicus Curiae to review these proposals and submit a report within six weeks. The hearing included participation from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and various legal representatives from the BCCI and state associations.
