SC blow to Srinivasan

Mudgal panel gets two months extension

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected N Srinivasan's plea for reinstatement as BCCI President saying he cannot be allowed to take up the charge till he gets a clean chit from Justice Mudgal Committee which is probing him and 12 players in IPL betting and spot-fixing scandal.

Expressing displeasure over slow speed of probe, the apex court asked the panel to complete it's investigation within two months and also allowed it to file interim report against Srinivasan or any other office bearer who are under its scrutiny.

A bench of justice TS Thakur and justice FM Ibrahim Kalifulla turned down Srinivasan's plea that he should be allowed to discharge his function as the AGM is expected to take place at the end of this month and his signature is needed for clearing the annual account of the board.

"Signing account book is not a ground. This cannot be a ground for reinstatement," the bench said.

At the outset of proceedings, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Srinivasan, pleaded the court to reveal whether there was anything against him in Justice Mudgal's interim report so that he be allowed to take up the charge of BCCI if there is nothing against him.

The bench said that no comments have been made against Srinivasan in the report but the probe is still going on and he cannot be allowed to function as BCCI president.

It said that the committee sought more time as it wants to record the statements of some players who are on England tour and also voice samples of some people need to be matched.

"We saw the report. Two months time for completion of probe does not seem realistic. The way in which it is going on, it will take five years. It's going to be a tough task for the Committee," the bench said, asking it to expedite the probe.

The court posted the case for further hearing on November two but allowed the committee to file interim report on any individuals if it wishes.