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BCCI challenges Madras HC order in Supreme Court
NEW DELHI: Even as the Indian cricket team — or should it be called the BCCI XI? — was left staring at a humiliating defeat in the Bangalore Test match against Australia, cricket managers in India were busy fighting their own battles in the court.
As expected, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Madras High Court’s order restraining all its newly elected office-bearers from functioning.
BCCI has sought a stay of the Madras HC order on the ground that the high court committed “gross error” in entertaining the review petition filed by Netaji Cricket Club when the BCCI had not violated any of the undertakings given by it before the Court, the Press Trust of India reported today.
A division bench of Madras HC in its order yesterday had restrained newly elected president Ranbir Singh Mahendra and other office-bearers from functioning, while appointing retired Supreme Court Judge S Mohan as interim administrator to run the affairs of the Board, subject to his consent.
The order was passed on the petitioner’s demand for setting aside the elections held in Kolkata on 29 September, restraining the newly-elected office bearers from functioning and appointment of an interim administrator to conduct the Board’s affairs till the disposal of the petition.
Mahendra had been elected in a highly contentious election after narrowly beating Maharashtra politician Sharad Pawar 16-15 with the help of the casting vote by the outgoing president Jagmohan Dalmiya.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
