Sports Have Become A Medium Of Bond Between Countries, Says Supreme Court

Justice Ashok Bhushan, who authored the judgment, observed that sports have become a medium of bonds between the Countries who have come closer and nearer to each other.

The sports occupy a prominent place in life of a man/woman and also in the life of a nation. It not only gives physical or moral strength to a personality but spread the message of goodwill and friendship, said the judge.

The bench also quoted from International Charter of physical education and sports emphasizing the major role to be played by National institutions in encouraging physical education and sports. Taking into account that the case it is dealing is that of a cricketer, the bench said: "Cricket, it is said, is a synonym for gentlemanliness which means discipline, fair play, modest and high standard of morality."

"The ever increasing interest in the game of Cricket in our country has raised issues of its regulation, control and management. In our country the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a registered Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, exercises sufficient control on all aspects of game of Cricket and has framed various Code of Conduct for all who are associated with it.", the bench, also comprising of Justice KM Joseph added, also referring to judgment in Board of Control for Cricket in India vs. Cricket Association of Bihar.

The bench partly allowed Sreesanth's appeal by setting aside the life ban imposed by BCCI on him for indulging in spot-fixing during 2013 Indian Premier League. It also directed the disciplinary committee of BCCI to take a decision on the quantum of punishment within 3 months. The bench, however, upheld the decision of the disciplinary committee of the BCCI on proof of charges against him.