BCCI are a “mutual benefit society”, says Supreme Court

“You function like show me the face; I will make the payment... Impression that one gets is that you are practically corrupting the persons by not demanding how the money is spent... it's like the moment you want a vote and their hands will go up," Chief Justice Thakur commented.

The Bench at the apex body raised questions on how some states get more money than their status deserves, while others have to go around with a "begging bowl", reported The Hindu.

"Eleven go begging for assistance. These 11 go without a penny. Huge amounts like Rs. 572 crore is distributed every year. Next year it may be over Rs. 1000 crore. Should your system of disburse not be perfect?" Chief Justice Thakur queried advocate K.K. Venugopal.

The Bench also asked why a state like Gujarat got over Rs. 60 crore from BCCI as a full member with voting rights, while associate member Bihar did not.

BCCI, on their part, commented that Bihar had refused to submit their accounts, and funds are released to the members based on their activity in terms of cricket.

In response to the statement, the Chief Justice Thakur then asked why Goa, with barely 10 lakh population, was getting Rs. 57 crore while Bihar is not.

Chief Justice Thakur also noticed how most of the states are absolutely ignored. "Eleven States here have zeros against their names. Goa gets Rs. 60 crore while Chhattisgarh gets Rs. 1.47 crore, you see your whole mandate is to promote the game all over the country. The passion for the game is spread across the country."

The Bench then asked why Railway Sports Promotion Board, a full member, does not get anything.

The court was summoned to listen to objections raised by the BCCI against some of the recommendations of the Lodha committee. "This committee is not an ordinary one peopled by government officials for you to complain about. A former CJI headed the committee and we repose faith in their findings which are a result of extensive deliberations with a broad spectrum of people spread through a year," Chief Justice Thakur concluded as per The Hindu report.