HYDERABAD: In a major relief to Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) vice-president K John Manoj, the Telangana high court has stayed the suspension order against him. HCA ombudsman Justice (retd) Deepak Verma had in his interim order on July 4, 2021 suspended five apex council members, including Manoj.
In his order dated September 7, Justice T Amarnath Goud said: “A serious allegation is levelled against the ombudsman that he is favouring and protecting HCA president Mohd Azharuddin.”
The order further states that 107 out of 180 members at the AGM had resolved to appoint Justice (retd) Nisar Ahmed Kakru as the ombudsman and Justice (retd) Meena Kumari as the ethics officer. The judge also found fault for the manner in which the office-bearers were suspended despite two replies being filed by them [to a show cause notice] and without furnishing copies of complaints against the officials.
“It violates the principles of natural justice. Second respondent [Justice Verma] has no power to suspend the office-bearers,” read the order and added that no meeting was held to appoint Justice Verma as the ombudsman. “It is only a unilateral decision of the third respondent [Azhar] and the validity of said appointment is sub-judice in the Supreme court.”
The order disqualifying lawfully appointed office-bearers is not sustainable, said Justice Goud and granted interim suspension. “For the reasons stated above, I am of the view that the impugned order disqualifying lawfully appointed office bearers is not sustainable. Therefore, I deem it appropriate to grant interim suspension of the impugned order. Accordingly, there shall be interim suspension of the order dated 04.7.2021 passed by the second respondent (Justice Verma) pending disposal of the main Writ Petition,” the order says.
