The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the declaration of results for elections held by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) following allegations of irregularities. The court’s decision came in response to a petition alleging fraud and manipulation of the electoral roll.
Election Process Under Scrutiny
Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria issued the order after hearing arguments presented by 19 of the 25 Cricket Clubs involved. While the elections scheduled for January 16 may proceed, the results will remain undisclosed pending further review. This action follows a previous Supreme Court directive, issued on October 27, 2025, mandating that JKCA elections be conducted within 12 weeks, adhering to the association’s established constitution.
The current election process is being overseen by a Court-appointed electoral officer, AK Jyoti. However, petitioners, represented by Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora, have raised concerns about his impartiality and effectiveness.
Dispute Over Electoral Roll
The core of the dispute centers on a 2017 decision by a High Court-appointed Ombudsman, which deemed certain members invalid. The BCCI Sub-Committee subsequently ordered that elections be held without considering these previously invalidated members. This led to further legal challenges. Petitioners allege a recently produced order from the Committee-appointed Ombudsman, dated March 19, 2025, was “anti-dated” and later sought to be “rectified.”
The petitioners are seeking several remedies, including the removal of AK Jyoti as Election Officer, the appointment of a new, independent officer, and the installation of a retired Supreme Court Judge as Administrator of the JKCA, with authority over the BCCI Sub-Committee and the newly appointed Electoral Officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Supreme Court’s intervention?
The Supreme Court intervened following a petition filed by 19 of 25 Cricket Clubs alleging fraud and manipulation of the electoral roll for the JKCA elections.
What is the status of the January 16 elections?
The elections scheduled for January 16 may proceed, but the declaration of results has been restrained by the Supreme Court until further notice.
Who is representing the petitioners in this case?
Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora, along with AoR Soayib Qureshi, Advocates Sheikh Faraz, Chetna Alag and Aman Qayoom Wani, are representing the petitioners.
What impact will this decision have on the future of cricket administration in Jammu and Kashmir remains to be seen.
