New Delhi, March 2025: In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has upheld the new constitution of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), which was drafted under the supervision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This verdict paves the way for a structured and transparent election process within the JKCA.
The ruling follows the Jammu and Kashmir High Court’s March 2021 directive, which transferred JKCA’s management to the BCCI. The High Court had mandated that the association’s constitution be aligned with the Lodha Committee’s recommendations, as approved by the Supreme Court.
To implement these directives, the BCCI formed a Sub-Committee in June 2021, comprising Brigadier Anil Gupta, international cricketer Mithun Manhas, and senior advocate Sunil Sethi. The committee worked meticulously to draft a new constitution, focusing on enhancing transparency and accountability in JKCA’s governance.
Following extensive stakeholder consultations and rigorous legal scrutiny, the BCCI approved the revised constitution. However, its registration faced delays due to objections from certain affiliated clubs. In today’s ruling, the Supreme Court dismissed these objections, affirming that the BCCI-approved constitution would stand as final, thereby allowing the much-anticipated elections to proceed.
Representing the BCCI in the case, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, alongside Advocate Achyut Dubey for JKCA, successfully defended the new constitution. Brigadier Anil Gupta and Mithun Manhas represented the Sub-Committee during the crucial court hearing.
“We worked diligently to honor the court’s mandate, ensuring transparency in administration and streamlining the selection process,” said Brigadier Anil Gupta. “The registration process was stalled, but with the Supreme Court’s intervention, the process will now move forward,” he added.
The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a turning point in JKCA’s administration, ushering in a new era of fair governance and structured cricketing reforms in Jammu and Kashmir.
