Disciplinary panel to consider recusal - Modi's lawyer

The BCCI's disciplinary committee is willing to consider the issue of its composition after meeting with suspended IPL chairman Lalit Modi's lawyers in Mumbai today, according to Modi's attorney Mehmood Abdi. Modi's legal team will have to file a plea for the same to the BCCI before July 18.

"We had a cordial meeting and the issue of recusal was put forth," Abdi said. "The members said it would be considered."

The committee's next hearing will be held on July 27 in New Delhi as two members of the committee - Arun Jaitley and Jyotiraditya Scindia - are members of the government, and as parliament will be in session. Modi was represented by his lawyers as he is reportedly out of the country on holiday and could not attend the meeting.

"Even though BCCI's memorandum, rules and regulations do not contain any stipulation for representation through lawyers of a person against whom the enquiry is being held, it is a matter of the discretion of the disciplinary committee," the committee said in a release. "In view of the complex nature of certain issues involved, interpretation of documents required, and additionally that one of us on the committee has a legal background, we feel that it would be just and fair that Mr Modi be allowed to be represented through a lawyer in the enquiry."

On Thursday, the Bombay High Court had dismissed Modi's petition asking it to quash the BCCI's proceedings against him and appoint an independent panel to hear his case. Modi wanted an independent panel because he claims the BCCI is biased against him. He has accused Amin of having a grudge against him and during the hearings for the case, Modi's lawyer, Virag Tulzhapurkar, also argued against Jaitley, saying the latter had voted to ratify the charges against Modi at the board's special general body meeting on July 3.

While refusing to delve into the merits of Modi's petition, the division bench consisting of Justices BH Marlapalle and Roshan Dalvi said it was open to Modi to challenge the final decision of the committee as well as the legality of its composition.

Modi moved the High Court against the BCCI last week following the board's vote to ratify the charges against him and refer them to its disciplinary committee. The committee had asked Modi to appear before it prior to the case being filed.

Modi was suspended immediately following the conclusion of IPL 3 and charged with financial irregularities relating to the bidding process for IPL franchises, the mid-over ad sales and the sale of theatrical rights. He was also charged with colluding to set up a rebel league in England.