A sessions court, on Tuesday, restrained NCP president Sharad Pawar from functioning as president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

The court was hearing a plea filed by BJP leader Gopinath Munde challenging the election of Mr. Pawar to the post of president.

The court has granted a week-long stay on the restraint order, giving Mr. Pawar enough time to appeal in the High Court.

The court ruled that the election process was in violation of the MCA Act that gives powers to interpret rules only to the managing committee.

“In this case, the rules were interpreted by the Election Commissioner and the Appellate Authority,” said M.S. Sharma, Additional Sessions Judge.

“In 15 days, written statements need to be submitted by Mr Pawar to support his claims after which the trial will be held on a day-to-day basis,” the judge said.