#MeToo: SC-appointed CoA divided on allegations against BCCI CEO Johri
The Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA), charged with looking after the BCCI's administration, is divided on what to do about sexual harassment allegations against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri. While the CoA chairman, Vinod Rai, thinks a "fair and transparent" investigation should be conducted by an external committee, former India women's team captain and CoA member Diana Edulji wants Johri's resignation. Here's more.
Backstory: The sexual harassment allegations against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri
The sexual harassment allegations against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri surfaced on October 13, when a twitter handle, @PedestrianPoet, shared the story of an anonymous journalist. In the account, the journalist alleged, among other things, that she had been forced to give Johri a blow job. Subsequently, however, the tweet was taken down, and the tweeter requested privacy. Johri, meanwhile, denied all the allegations.
The tweet that requested privacy for the survivor
What Vinod Rai thinks about the allegations against Johri
On Thursday, Rai issued a statement highlighting his difference of opinion with Edulji, and said that an independent probe into the allegations was "necessary" as the allegations had come via an anonymous tweet. He added that since the allegations pertained to a past period, it was necessary to provide Johri with "natural justice" by following a due process of law, and allowing him to present his case.
Edulji wants Johri's resignation immediately
On the other hand, Edulji reportedly holds the opinion that Johri should not be allowed to represent the BCCI and Indian cricket as the sexual harassment allegations against him are of a "grave" nature. Edulji is reportedly also of the opinion that an independent inquiry in the matter is not required, and that Johri should hand in his resignation immediately.
Meanwhile, an independent committee has been formed to investigate
Meanwhile, despite the differences of opinion, an independent inquiry committee has been constituted, and comprises former Allahabad HC judge Rakesh Sharma, former Delhi Commission for Women Barkha Singh, and former CBI director P C Sharma. The trio have given their consent to be part of the committee. Notably, the committee has been asked to submit its report within 15 days.
