The IPL's legal battles

The BCCI has been embroiled in one court case after another ever since it decided to suspend Lalit Modi as IPL chairman last April for alleged financial irregularities. Some cases have seen resolution, with the court deciding against the BCCI in the temporary reinstatement of Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab, while Bombay High Court last week dismissed Modi's petition challenging the BCCI's disciplinary committee proceedings against him.

Here's a status report on the legal issues that have beset the IPL over the last year:

BCCI v Rajasthan Royals
What the issue is: The BCCI allege that Rajasthan violated their franchise agreement and should therefore be terminated. Rajasthan insist that no such violation has taken place and that the board has been aware of every move they have made.

Current status: The Bombay High Court ordered the two parties to enter arbitration, and the case is currently being heard by Justice Sri Krishna.

BCCI v Kings XI Punjab
What the issue is: Similar to the case against Rajasthan, the BCCI allege that Punjab violated their franchise agreement and should therefore be terminated. Punjab deny all the allegations and again, like Rajasthan, claim that the BCCI has been aware of all their decisions.

Current status: The Bombay High Court directed their case to arbitration as well.

BCCI v World Sport Group
What the issue is: The board claims that the facilitation fee of $80 million paid to World Sport Group (WSG) by Multi Screen Media for the Indian broadcast rights of the IPL was an "improper payment" and cancelled its rights agreement with WSG on the grounds of fraud. WSG has denied any wrong doing and has taken the board to court to enforce their contract.

Current status: The case is before the Indian Supreme Court, which has allowed the BCCI to auction certain international rights in the interim, subject to the final decision in the case.

BCCI v Lalit Modi
What the issue is: The BCCI had suspended Modi immediately following the conclusion of IPL 3 in April and charged him with financial irregularities relating to the bidding process for IPL franchises, the mid-over ad sales and the sale of theatrical rights. He was also charged with colluding to set up a rebel league in England. Modi has denied all the charges and repeatedly accused BCCI president Shashank Manohar and the president-elect N Srinivasan of harbouring personal grudges against him.

Current status: The board's disciplinary committee hearings had been suspended by the High Court while it heard Modi's appeal. Now that the appeal has been denied, the hearings are set to resume next week.

Modi has other troubles besides the hearings being conducted by the BCCI. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) wants to question him over potential foreign exchange violations related to the second season of the IPL in South Africa, and the Chennai Police are investigating alleged financial irregularities after board secretary, N Srinivasan, filed a criminal complaint against him.

The Mumbai Regional Passport Office has also revoked his passport on the recommendation of the ED, which has repeatedly asked Modi to appear for questioning in India. However, Modi, who is living in London, says he cannot appear in person because of threats against his life.