Supreme Court clears Anurag Thakur to rejoin BCCI, 9-year ban lifted

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court has granted a major relief to BJP leader, Himachal Pradesh MP, and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur, lifting the ban on holding office within the BCCI. Anurag Thakur can now hold office as an office bearer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Thakur was removed from his post in 2017 for failing to implement the Lodha Committee's recommendations. The Lodha Committee's rules included several stringent provisions, including age limits and government positions. It is believed that this Supreme Court decision could mark a major turning point in the administrative structure of Indian cricket. The Supreme Court amended its 2017 order, lifting the ban on Anurag Thakur from holding office within the BCCI. Thakur will now be able to participate in BCCI-related functions and meetings.

This order directed Anurag Thakur to stay away from the internal affairs of the BCCI. Anurag Thakur was the BCCI president when the Supreme Court imposed the ban in 2017. At that time, a bench headed by then-Chief Justice Tirath Singh Thakur issued the order, ordering Anurag Thakur to stay away from BCCI activities.

Now, a bench headed by current Chief Justice Surya Kant has amended that order. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joy Malya Bagchi, has now permitted Anurag Thakur to participate in the BCCI's internal, administrative, and other matters.

The Supreme Court stated that the ban imposed in January 2017 was not a lifelong disqualification. The Supreme Court stated that it did not intend to impose a lifelong ban, nor was it appropriate. Anurag Thakur had already tendered an unconditional apology, which the court accepted.