Court stays Dalmiya's patron-in-chief appointment

A civil court in Chennai has passed an interim order restraining the BCCI, till October 11, from confirming Jagmohan Dalmiya as patron-in-chief. Dalmiya was appointed patron-in-chief of the BCCI on September 12, after a unanimous decision had been taken at the special general body meeting of the board in Chennai. Bharati Cricket Club, a local club in Chennai, had challenged the appointment.

United News of India reported that the petitioner contended that the sole purpose of nominating Dalmiya as patron-in-chief was to control the moves of the new president even after his term had ended. He also said that though the BCCI constitution stated that the board could invite, using its discretion, a distinguished person to be the patron-in-chief, it did not delineate his powers and term of office.

However, Kamal Morarka, the senior vice-president of the board, had said that the powers of the president would not be undermined by Dalmiya's nomination as patron-in-chief. He had also added that Dalmiya would hold the position for three years.