In a significant development, the Bombay High Court has intervened to stop the upcoming elections for the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA). The court order, issued on Monday, puts a hold on the polls that were supposed to take place on Tuesday, January 6.
Court Questions "Hot Haste" in Member Inductions
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad expressed serious concerns about the process. The judges observed that the manner in which approximately 400 new members were added to the association's voter list gave a strong initial impression that everything was done in excessive hurry.
The court specifically highlighted that the new members include close relatives of key figures. Rohit Pawar, the incumbent MCA president and NCP (SP) MLA, saw his wife Kunti Pawar and father-in-law Satish Magar enrolled. Furthermore, Revati, the daughter of NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, was also among the new inductees.
Petitioners Allege Nepotism and Violations
The stay order came in response to a group of petitions that challenged the entire election process as illegal. The petitioners, which include former Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav, argued that the Supreme Court's norms for sports body elections were blatantly violated.
They alleged that favoritism was shown while preparing the voter list released on December 25, 2025. A core allegation was that many of the newly added individuals have no genuine connection to cricket and were included merely to allow a small group to control the MCA like a private entity.
The court noted the petitioners' claim that existing members were not allowed to raise objections and were denied access to crucial documents like the minutes of the Apex Council and Annual General Meetings.
Court's Strong Stand and Future Hearing
Faced with allegations of illegality, arbitrariness, and nepotism, the bench stated it has the right to examine the decision-making process behind these mass inductions. The judges were particularly concerned about the timing, noting that adding such a large number of members right before an election would inevitably influence the results.
"In the circumstances of the case, this Court cannot adopt a hands-off stand and permit the elections scheduled on January 6 to continue. The high court should not permit the illegality to be perpetuated," the bench asserted. It directed the electoral officer to halt all poll proceedings until further instructions.
The court also raised a fundamental question about the MCA's objectives, which include improving cricket standards and building infrastructure. It debated whether a person should be eligible for life membership solely based on financial donations. The matter is now scheduled for its next hearing on February 4.
Representing the MCA, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi defended the inductions. He argued that the new members had made substantial financial contributions to cricket and pointed out that the association's rules do not mandate members to be cricketers or have a direct link to the sport.
