Justice Nageswara Rao to oversee HCA elections

The Supreme Court on Tuesday appointed retired Supreme Court judge, Justice L Nageswara Rao to oversee the process of conducting elections to the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).

A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Manoj Misra, and Aravind Kumar said that the impasse surrounding the current pendency of the polls for HCA must come to an end and elections must be held in a fair manner.

It also directed the HCA to extend all assistance to Justice Rao.

“He can take all assistance as needed. The expenses will be borne by the association. If the learned judge needs some directions from this Court, the matter can be placed before us for the limited purpose,” the order said.

The matter will be heard next on March 2, 2023.

Earlier, HCA appointed former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Deepak Verma as its ombudsman and ethics officer. However, some state cricket clubs challenged a Telangana High Court order upholding Justice Deepak Verma’s appointment. Consequently, the matter reached Supreme Court.

Appearing for one of the respondents in the matter, Senior Advocate Siddhartha Dave suggested the name of Justice Rao to see that elections are held on time.

Another counsel appearing in the matter pointed out that former international cricketer Mohd Azharuddin continued to run the association despite the pending polls and legal case. The Court eventually appointed Justice Rao to oversee the elections.