Faced with criticism from former and current shuttlers for recommending disproportionate punishment on Jwala Gutta, the Badminton Association of India today decided to appoint a three-member independent committee to further look into the matter.
Asking the panel to submit a report within a month, the BAI said till that time Jwala, who will be served another showcause notice, will not be considered for any national or international matches.
In a surprise decision, the BAI's disciplinary committee recommended a life ban on Jwala for trying to stop some players of her franchise Krrish Delhi Smashers from playing a match against Banga Beats in the recent Indian Badminton League. The Disciplinary Committee had left the final decision to the president.
"Instead of taking action on his own, President BAI in consultation with the members of Executive Committee, BAI has decided to constitute an independent three member committee for issuing a further showcause notice to Ms Jwala Gutta for seeking her reply within a week on the punishments proposed by the Disciplinary Committee in order to satisfy the principles of natural justice and take final decision on the proposed punishments within a month," BAI General Secretary Dr Vijai Sinha said in a statement.
The three member committee comprises Anandeshwar Pandey, Joint Secretary Indian Olympic Association and General Secretary UP Olympic Association, Deepa Mehta, President Luge Federation of India and Swati Shukla, a social worker and former member of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee.
Jwala has been asked to reply to the showcause notice within seven days.
