Supreme Court accepts “unconditional apology” by N. Srinivasan

Managing Director of India Cements Mr. N. Srinivasan, offered an “unconditional apology” to the Supreme Court today. Srinivasan tendered the apology for chairing the meeting of Working Committee of the Board of Cricket Control of India on February 8, 2015. The Supreme Court on January 22, 2015 had found that Mr. Srinivasan had a conflict of interest.

Hearing the matter, the bench of Justices T.S. Thakur and F.M. Ibrahim Kalifulla asked, “But why did you preside over the February 8 meeting... you are supposed to explain that.” Appearing for N. Srinivasan, Senior Advocate KapilSibal submitted, “I am sorry. I just want to say that”.

Earlier, the Apex Court had also asked Mr.Sibal, “Are you saying that you chaired that meeting over some misunderstanding?” After he tendered an unconditional apology, the Court observed, “That's what we wanted too. Now we shall say he presided in the past meeting on a bonafide mistake without intention. And looking back, he says he should not have done that. Is it not?”

On the other hand, Senior Advocate Nalini Chidambaram, appearing for Cricket Association of Bihar which had filed the contempt petition, submitted, “He has only apologised for presiding and not participating in the February 8 meeting. Participation also invites contempt.”

The Bench replied by saying, “Why do you have to make a fuss?” It added, “We find no reason to deny to TNCA its right to exercise its right to franchise.”

Meanwhile, Senior Advocate KapilSibal had submitted to the Court that Mr. Srinivasan will not chair the AGM which is to be held on March 2. However, Mr. Srinivasan has been allowed to attend the same to cast the vote on behalf of Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.

You may read more of our coverage of the case(s) here.