Ombudsman declares Amarnath president of Hyderabad Cricket Association

Hyderabad: In a dramatic turn of events, ombudsman retired chief justice Suresh Kumar Kait on Monday declared Amarnath, who lost the election for president by one vote to A Jagan Mohan Rao, as the new president of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA).In a 12-page order to the HCA represented by its acting president Sardar Daljeet Singh, the ombudsman said that Jagan Mohan, who was arrested on charges of forgery and corruption and is out on bail now, doesn't deserve to hold the post of HCA president.
"In such situation, institution can not be put on hold. The post of the president can't be kept vacant for longer period. Undisputedly, Respondent 2 (Jagan) had secured 63 votes, where as next to him, the petitioner (Amarnath) secured 62 overs for the post of president in the elections held on 20.10.2023. Accordingly, I here by declare the petitioner as President of Respondent 1 HCA. Consequently, HCA is directed to allow the petitioner to take charge for the post of the President of HCA within a week from today. He shall continue on the said post for he remaining period," the order said.Amarnath had contested the illegality of Jagan Mohan's election as he contested from Sri Chakra Cricket Club, which had earlier functioned as Gowlipura Cricket Club. The petitioner contended that the club's name change and legal status were not in accordance with applicable law or earlier binding judicial and administrative orders, rendering the nomination and election invalid.After examining records, submissions, and applicable legal principles, the ombudsman said that the Sri Chakra Cricket Club did not legally exist on the date of the election, as the purported change of name had not been carried out in compliance with law. The acceptance of nomination papers submitted on behalf of such a non-existent entity was invalid, rendering the election of Jagan Mohan Rao illegal and unsustainable.Meanwhile, Amarnath said that he took charge as the president of the HCA on Monday and will work for the betterment of cricket. "I have filed a petition with the ombudsman and just prevailed. I have taken charge as the president today," said Amarnath.