Supreme Court Lifts Ban on Anurag Thakur from Holding Office in BCCI

In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Wednesday lifted the ban imposed on BJP MP and former BCCI President Anurag Thakur, allowing him to once again participate in the affairs of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in accordance with its rules and regulations.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing an application filed by Thakur seeking recall of the direction contained in paragraph 25(ii) of the Supreme Court’s 2017 order, under which he was barred from holding any office in the BCCI. The ban had remained in force for nearly nine years.

The restriction originated from the landmark 2017 judgment delivered by a Bench headed by then Chief Justice T.S. Thakur, which removed Anurag Thakur as BCCI President and Ajay Shirke as Secretary for their continued defiance in implementing the Justice R.M. Lodha Committee reforms. Direction (ii) of that order explicitly stated that Thakur and Shirke “shall forthwith cease and desist from any work of the BCCI.”

Senior Advocate P.S. Patwalia, appearing for Thakur, argued that the prolonged continuation of the ban had caused serious personal and professional hardship. He submitted that the punishment had already served its purpose and that continuing it indefinitely would be disproportionate. Patwalia also emphasized that Thakur had tendered an unconditional apology, which was accepted by the Court.

Taking note of these submissions, the Bench observed that the 2017 direction was never intended to operate as a lifelong ban. Applying the principle of proportionality, the Court held that continuing the restriction for nearly a decade would be excessive. Consequently, the Bench recalled the impugned direction insofar as it applied to Anurag Thakur.

“As the purpose of the direction stands served, the same deserves to be recalled,” the Court noted, clarifying that Thakur is now free to participate in BCCI affairs strictly in accordance with the governing rules and regulations.

Senior Advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan, appearing on behalf of the Secretary of the Lodha Committee, opposed the plea, arguing against dilution of the consequences arising from non-compliance with court-mandated reforms. However, the Bench was not persuaded to continue the ban indefinitely.

The ruling marks a notable shift in the long-running aftermath of the Lodha Committee reforms and potentially reopens the door for Anurag Thakur’s active involvement in Indian cricket administration, subject to statutory and regulatory compliance.

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