In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has set aside the life ban imposed on cricketer Santhosh Karunakaran by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) and directed the Kerala High Court to reconsider his case afresh. The apex court’s decision comes after it found procedural errors or lack of clarity in the process followed by the Ombudsman, the ethics officer of KCA, in dismissing Karunakaran’s application for uniform cricketing bye-laws.
The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta made it clear that the Ombudsman’s decision lacked transparency, suggesting potential procedural errors in the process. Furthermore, the Supreme Court also criticized the Kerala High Court for taking a disproportionately harsh view when rejecting Karunakaran’s challenge to the Ombudsman’s decision, indicating that the lower court may have overlooked important aspects or misinterpreted the case.
The case, titled Santhosh Karunakaran vs. Ombudsman cum Ethics Officer, Kerala Cricket Association & Anr., has been a subject of controversy since 2025, with many questioning the fairness and transparency of the proceedings. The Lodha Committee, an independent body appointed by the Supreme Court to reform Indian cricket, has also been following the case closely due to its implications for the broader cricketing ecosystem in India.
Manu Krishnan, a legal expert specializing in sports law, commented on the decision saying, “The Supreme Court’s intervention is a welcome step towards ensuring fairness and transparency in the sporting world. The decision underscores the importance of due process and the need for procedural clarity in all matters related to the administration of sports.”
As the case returns to the Kerala High Court, it remains to be seen how the court will approach the reconsideration of Karunakaran’s application. The cricketer and his legal team will be hoping for a fair hearing that takes into account all relevant aspects of the case, while the KCA and the Ombudsman will be keen to defend their original decision.
The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for Indian cricket, particularly in terms of upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and due process in the administration of sports organizations across the country.
