JKHC asks state cricket body to foster sportsmanship spirit

Srinagar, July 5 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has asked the state's cricket body to inculcate a culture of discipline, friendship and togetherness instead of resorting to litigation.

The High Court's suggestions came while disposing off a petition filed by Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) president Farooq Abdullah against chairman Mehboob Iqbal, at present Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.

It also asked the Association to shun litigation zeal and stop off the pitch'' bickering.

A single bench of Justice Bashir A Kirmani directed the Principal District Judge to acknowledge JKCA members nominated in the working committee meeting chaired by Dr Abdullah and act strictly in accordance with the court directions on such nominations.

He said the Judge would not disburse more than 25 per cent of the amount lying with the JKCA till the account of released amount was ratified by the general council in a specifically convened meeting.

The court said the Principal District Judge, Srinagar, should consolidate all the cases related to the association, if necessary, by withdrawing cases from courts for joint disposal by him.

On August 31 last year, the JKCA president issued a circular, declaring the working committee meeting of the association held on July 18, 2006, as null and void.

The president also cancelled the decision taken in the meeting, passing certain observations with JKCA member G M Ronga and secretary Mohammad Saleem Khan.

The president's action was challenged by petitioner before the Principal District Judge on December 30 last year through a civil suit seeking interim stay.

The court ordered that any meeting on placements of Books of Accounts of the JKCA from 2003 to 2006 by ex-treasurer before the working committee and other business should be convened only after a prior permission of the chair.

The order was challenged through a revision petition on grounds that the notice of general working committee meeting issued by the honorary general secretary was incompetent and during the course of arguments no one appeared on behalf of respondents, including the JKCA chairman.

The bench disposed off the petition terming it as premature.

The court said instead of filing objections, the defendant had filed an appeal which was his objection to the impugned order.

However, it said the appellant was at liberty to project his case before a trial court on the date of hearing of the main suit.

UNI