Decision on withdrawal of awards in two days

Onkar Singh in New Delhi

Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Uma Bharti on Monday said her ministry will take a decision on the withdrawal of Arjuna awards from tainted cricketers -- Manoj Prabhakar, Mohammad Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja -- in a couple of days.

"Since I am engrossed in my deposition before the Liberhan Commission, I have not been able to pay attention to the match-fixing case and withdrawal of the Arjuna awards issue. I will look into the matter in the next few days and get back to you," Bharti told newsmen soon after she finished her deposition on Monday evening.

She confirmed that the three players had sent replies, in response to show-cause notices served on them by joint secretary, sports, J P Singh, in writing.

"I discussed the matter with Union Law Minister Arun Jaitley and we will soon take a final decision. I had sent the file for legal opinion to Solicitor General Soli Sorabjee. It was only after receipt of his opinion that the players were sent notices, asking why their awards should not be withdrawn for alleged involvement in match-fixing," she said.

On the threat by some players, that they would go to court if their awards were withdrawn, Bharti said that if such an eventuality arose, and the government was served a legal notice, it would defend its action.

"When the government gives an award to some person, a certain procedure is followed. But such awards also carry some conditions. If the award can be given to someone, it can also be taken back when some conditions are violated. This is a legal procedure. We are proceeding according to provisions laid down under guidelines of such an award," Bharti explained.

On whether she had taken any decision regarding making match-fixing a crime, she said, "I am holding discussions with the law minister and we will come out with something concrete."

Meanwhile, the Delhi police is yet to get in touch with Scotland Yard to find out details about the arrest of bookie Sanjiv Chawla and his subsequent release on bail. Chawla is one of the key persons in the Hansie Cronje case. Cronje had admitted that Chawla had paid him to fix matches.

Former England player Chris Lewis too had alleged that Chawla, along with Indian sports promoter Aushim Khetrapal, had offered him money to fix a match at Old Trafford.

Khetrapal, however, denied knowing Chawla. "When Scotland Yard met me I had told them that I did not know Chawla and they went back satisfied. I have nothing more to add to what I told rediff.com when the controversy broke out," said Khetrapal.

RELATED REPORTS:
Starring Aushim Khetrapal!
Who is Jagdish Sodha?

Mail your comments