Wrong affidavit could land Anurag Thakur in jail, says lawyer

The Supreme Court of India will consider Shashank Manohar’s affidavit to be “more authentic” than Anurag Thakur’s, believes Rahul Mehra, a prominent lawyer, who has been closely following the recent controversy between the Lodha Panel and the Indian cricket board.

ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, who was directed by the SC and the Lodha Committee to make it clear whether Thakur sought any such letter from cricket’s highest governing body stating the appointment of the CAG would mean the government interference, is likely to have sounded “yes” in his affidavit.

“It is not one’s word against the other but on prima facie the SC knew that the BCCI boss (Anurag Thakur) had indeed sought such a letter and therefore they asked for confirmation from Manohar,” advocate Mehra said.

“Had the apex court been satisfied with Thakur’s affidavit, they would not have sought Manohar’s intervention. Secondly, Prof. Ratnakar Shetty’s affidavit also contradicts with that of Thakur’s.”

Manohar himself is a lawyer and knows the consequences of misguiding the court. “The court will decide whose affidavit is right and Thakur and Shetty, if found misleading the court, can be sent to jail on perjury,” Mehra added.

“The next date for hearing is December 5, but Lodha Committee can still move the court and hear the appeal before the date,” Mehra added.