Lalit Modi agrees to depose via video conferencing

Lalit Modi did not give any definite indication of his presence at the disciplinary committee. At the second hearing of the committee, inquiring into his suspension, in New Delhi on Tuesday, Modi’s counsels have told the panel that the suspended chairman of the IPL cannot be present because of security concerns.

The counsels have informed the panel that their client could make himself available at the hearing through video conferencing. They have told the panel that Modi would come to India only if the situation with regard to threat perception improves.

At the end of the 90-minute hearing, Modi’s demands for access to the minutes of governing council meetings of April 26 and May 25 were approved. He was also given copies of the agenda and minutes of the July 3 SGM. His demand for a copy of the amended agreement between the BCCI and Multi Screen Media was conditionally approved.

The committee accepted his demand, although the lawyers representing the BCCI, posed an objection saying that the Board is bound by the confidentiality clause in its contract with MSM.

The disciplinary committee, however, asked the BCCI to share papers of the amended contract after taking an undertaking that the document will be used only for the purpose of inquiry and not for any other purpose.

Arun Jaitley, Chirayu Amin and Jyotiraditya Scinida heard Modi’s cousels’ recusal application but deferred the matter to the next hearing which will take place on August 1 in New Delhi. Modi wanted the  recusal of all the three members of the committee.

At the commencement of hearing, counsels of both parties were told that several statements have been appearing in the media regarding proceedings of this enquiry despite an understanding that these issues were not to be discussed in public.

The committee requested all persons to exercise utmost restraint
while commenting outside in relation to proceedings before the committee.