Telangana High Court to Scrutinize Petition Maintainability in HCA Leadership Controversy
In a significant legal development, the Telangana High Court has announced that it will first examine the maintainability of a petition filed by former Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president A Jagan Mohan Rao. The petition challenges the ombudsman's orders that disqualified him and declared Amarnath as the new HCA president. This move sets the stage for a detailed judicial review of the contentious leadership dispute within the cricket body.
Background of the Case and Legal Arguments
The controversy stems from Mohan Rao's suspension after his arrest in a criminal case involving allegations of forgery and cheating. He was elected as HCA president but faced legal troubles that led to his remand in judicial custody. In August 2025, the high court granted him conditional bail, imposing restrictions that barred him from entering HCA premises or other cricket clubs. During a hearing on Thursday, Justice Renuka Yara presided over the matter, where Mohan Rao's counsel argued that the ombudsman acted arbitrarily and exceeded his powers in disqualifying him.
The counsel contended that disqualification should only occur after charges are formally framed by a court of law. In this instance, only FIRs have been registered—one alleging forgery of signatures and another accusing misappropriation of HCA funds—with no chargesheet filed to date. This argument highlights the procedural nuances at the heart of the legal battle.
Opposition from HCA and Amarnath's Legal Team
Opposing the petition, HCA counsel A Venkatesh and Amarnath's counsel P Venugopal raised critical questions about its maintainability. They submitted that HCA is registered under the Public Societies Registration Act, and as such, disputes related to societies must be challenged before the competent civil court at the district level. This jurisdictional challenge adds a layer of complexity to the case.
Furthermore, they pointed out the conditions imposed by the high court during Mohan Rao's bail, which restrict his access to HCA facilities. They questioned how he could seek continuation in the presidential post under such circumstances, emphasizing the practical implications of the bail terms on his leadership claims.
Court's Decision and Future Proceedings
After hearing extensive arguments from both sides, the court adjourned the matter to February 18 for further deliberation. This adjournment allows time for a thorough examination of the maintainability issue before proceeding to the substantive merits of the petition. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for governance within HCA and set precedents for similar disputes in sports associations across the region.
The case underscores the intersection of legal procedures and sports administration, with potential impacts on accountability and transparency in cricket governance. As the legal process unfolds, stakeholders await clarity on the rightful leadership of HCA and the resolution of allegations against Mohan Rao.
