The three-member committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge RM Lodha has pronounced its verdict in the spot-fixing scandal that marred the sixth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
N Srinivasan's son-in-law Gurunath Meiyappan and co-owner of Rajasthan Royals Raj Kundra were found guilty of betting and bringing the game into disrepute and were thus, banned for life from all cricket-related activities. The committee has also suspended IPL franchisees Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from participating in the IPL for two years.
The committee noted that both Meiyappan and Kundra had damaged the faith of the people in the sport, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and IPL. The panel also declared that any person who has true passion for the game will never be involved in betting.
"The fact that Meiyappan was integral part of CSK, he ought not to have indulged in corrupt practices. Any person who has true passion for the game will never be involved in betting. Gurunath has not only indulged in betting but he has brought disrepute to cricket & the IPL. Being the face if franchise, Gurunath's actions reflects on the owners India Cements," said Justice Lodha.
"Gurunath Meiyappan acted in violation of IPL laws. It is evident from the decision of SC that matter is serious. India Cements did not take any action against Meiyappan," it added.
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