In a sensational verdict, the three-member Supreme Court appointed committee headed by Justice R.M. Lodha has found Chennai Super Kings (CSK) official Gurunath Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals (RR) co-owner Raj Kundra guilty, and imposed life suspensions on the duo.
Addressing the media here, Justice Lodha said that Meiyappan was an integral part of CSK and he ought to have not indulged in corrupt practices. He added that Meiyappan is found guilty of betting and his conduct has affected the image of BCCI, IPL and the game of cricket.
"He is declared ineligible for participation in the sports of cricket as explained in the Anti-Corruption Code for a maximum period of five years under Article 2.2.1. He is suspended for life on activities as explained in Article 7.5 under level four, first offence of Article 2.4 of the Code of Conduct. He is suspended for life for being involved in any kind of matches under Section 6, rule 4.2. the above sanctions shall run concurrently and commence from the date of this order," Justice Lodha said.
He also said that the amount by which Meiyappan's image has been tarnished is too small in comparison to what he has done to the game of cricket.
Speaking on Kundra, Justice Lodha said that he was constantly placing bets through a known punter and was in touch with the bookies. He added that Kundra has, therefore, been found guilty of misconduct.
"He is declared ineligible to participate in the game of cricket as explained in Anti-Corruption Code for the maximum period of five years as explained in Article 2.2.1. He is suspended for life on activities as explained in Article 7.5 under level four, first offence of Article 2.4 of the Code of Conduct. He is suspended for life for being involved with the BCCI in any type of cricket matches under Section 6, rule 4.2.," he added.
