Centre clarifies BCCI's status to SC Bench

The Centre told the Supreme Court today that the legal status of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was that of 'State' for the purpose of the Constitution and, therefore, it was amenable to the jurisdiction of the court.

Additional Solicitor General Mohan Parasaran was clarifying the stand of the government in the row between Zee Telefilms and BCCI.

Parasaran submitted before the five-judge Constitution Bench that the BCCI performed several functions that resembled the executive functions of the government.

It was recognised as the apex monopoly body in the field of cricket and given several facilities by the government. The government exercised various controls over the board. BCCI complied with the government's directions like non-participation of the Indian team in international tournaments.

At one stage, the judges observed that "most of your arguments fail when you have no material to show that you have ever granted recognition to BCCI as an apex body in the field of cricket".

The board has never sought or been granted recognition by the government. The government had no control over its finances and administration, the judges said.