Flouting Court Orders? Madan Ghosh Still Rules CAB Despite Crossing 70! ‘Who Says I Have to Step Down?’ Sparking Turf War at Maidan

 Is it an outright defiance of the Supreme Court’s stringent guidelines, a disregard for the Lodha Committee’s regulations, or simply an unyielding thirst for power? Walk into the corridors of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) today, and the whispers of an brewing controversy are impossible to miss. On May 21, CAB’s current Joint Secretary, Madan Ghosh, celebrated his 70th birthday. According to the apex court’s mandate, any cricket administrator reaching the age of 70 must vacate their post immediately. Yet, in what appears to be a blatant snub to the law, Ghosh remains firmly glued to his chair, triggering massive ripples from Eden Gardens to the Kolkata Maidan.

“Who Says I Have to Leave at 70?” – Madan Ghosh’s Explosive Retort

While speculations surrounding the Lodha Committee’s 70-year age cap are reaching a fever pitch, Ghosh virtually dropped a bombshell during a recent media interaction. He defiantly shot back, “Who says you have to step down just because you turned seventy?” This audacious remark from the CAB Joint Secretary has sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity. It begs the question: is Ghosh refusing to acknowledge a historic Supreme Court verdict? Does he consider himself above the highest court of the land?

When Roger Binny Can Step Aside, Why is Madan Ghosh Still ‘On’?

Following the exact same Lodha guidelines, Roger Binny recently stepped down as the BCCI President after turning 70. In the past, heavyweights like Biswarup Dey, Subir Ganguly, Sourav Ganguly, Snehasish Ganguly, and Avishek Dalmiya all had to vacate their CAB positions under the Lodha clause. If the titans of Indian cricket can honor the rule of law, why should the rules bend for Madan Ghosh?

The Lodha Legacy: Why Were These Rules Imposed?

To understand the gravity of the situation, one must look back at the dark chapter of the 2013 IPL spot-fixing and betting scandal. The Supreme Court constituted the Lodha Committee with a singular, crucial mission: to eradicate corruption, bring transparency, and end nepotism in Indian cricket administration. The apex court had directed that these sweeping reforms be enforced with an iron fist.

In fact, the new CAB committee formed last September was constituted strictly in accordance with these Lodha guidelines. Therefore, serious question marks now hang over why a term-expired official like Ghosh is being allowed to overstay his welcome.

Threat of Prison and Fines: Anyone Can Move Court

Cricket associations fundamentally perform a public function. Consequently, any ordinary citizen or cricket enthusiast has the right to protest against such a lack of transparency. According to legal experts, defying a direct order from the Supreme Court amounts to a clear-cut case of Contempt of Court.

• Legal Action Looming: Contempt proceedings could be initiated in the Supreme Court against both the official in question and the CAB top brass.

• The Penalty: If found guilty, it could result in prison time or hefty financial penalties.

• Public Interest Litigation (PIL): Fans and citizens can also approach the High Court to file a PIL demanding accountability.

The Shadow of an ‘Administrator’ Hangs Over CAB

If the situation escalates and the association fails to course-correct, Bengal’s premier cricket body could find itself in deep waters. Precedent shows that when state units violate the Lodha guidelines, the courts can strip the body of its governing powers and appoint an independent Administrator. Should that happen, the administrator will have the authority to forcefully remove the disqualified official from office.

Whether Madan Ghosh’s stubborn refusal to vacate his seat plunges the CAB into a full-blown legal crisis remains to be seen. For now, the Maidan is buzzing with just one question: will the CAB fall in line, or will it wait for the Supreme Court’s gavel to come crashing down?