SC to hear plea challenging BCCI’s unauthorised use of ‘India’ name, national flag

The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea challenging the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) alleged unauthorized use of the name "India" and the national flag. The petition, filed by social activist Rajesh Kansal, questions whether the BCCI holds the right to represent Indian cricket on a global platform without official government sanction. Kansal's argument centers around the ownership and representation of national symbols, which he claims should not be monopolized by a private entity. During the proceedings, Kansal presented his case, asserting that the BCCI's actions misrepresent the nation, given its status as a private body not officially affiliated with the government. He emphasized the need for clarity on whether the BCCI can claim ownership over Indian cricket and use national symbols without explicit authorization. This has sparked a broader debate about the governance and transparency of cricket administration in India. In response, Chief Justice of India (CJI) expressed the court's intent to scrutinize the BCCI's legal standing concerning the use of national symbols. The court's decision could have significant implications for how sports organizations operate in India and their use of national identifiers. As the hearing progresses, stakeholders in Indian cricket and sports governance are keenly observing the potential outcomes, which may redefine the relationship between national sports bodies and the representation of India on the international stage.

— Authored by Next24 Live