The Supreme Court on Thursday found Raj Kundra and Gurunath Meiyappan guilty of betting in the Indian Premier League spot-fixing case, but cleared former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president N Srinivasan for his alleged cover-ups in the case.
In its 130-page verdict, the apex court, while acknowledging the presence of a clause that allowed Srinivasan to buy a stake in the IPL team Chennai Super Kings (CSK), struck down the amendment that had created a conflict of interest in commercial matters.
The court further stated that while Srinivasan had a deep rooted interest in CSK matches, his behaviour had raised suspicions, but this wasn't proof, adding that at best, there is only a case of suspicion against him of a cover-up.
Terming the amendment, Rule 6.2.4, as 'unsustainable and illegal', the Supreme Court further stated that while the power to punish the guilty vests with the BCCI, in the current context it cannot be left to the body to appoint credible legal minds, adding that an independent committee shall decide whether CSK and Rajasthan Royals shall be allowed to continue as a team.
The apex court also stated that allegations against IPL COO Sundar Raman need to be probed further.
Further details are awaited.