Delhi High Court Allows AITA Election Results To Be Declared For Interim Management, Orders Fresh Polls Under New Sports Law

The Delhi High Court has allowed the declaration of the All India Tennis Association (AITA) election results held in September 2024, permitting the newly elected body to function as an interim arrangement to manage the day-to-day affairs of the federation, while directing that fresh elections be conducted in accordance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 and the Sports Governance Rules, 2026.Justice Mini Pushkarna passed the directions while dealing with a challenge to the AITA elections, noting that during the pendency of the petition, a new statutory regime governing national sports federations had come into force. The Court observed that the issues raised regarding compliance with the earlier National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 had become largely academic in view of the enactment of the 2025 law.Taking note of the new legal framework, the Court emphasised that all national sports bodies, including AITA, are now required to align their bye-laws with the provisions of the Sports Act, 2025 and the 2026 Rules, which mandate age and tenure limits, athlete representation, and periodic elections.The Court also recorded that the tenure of the previous Executive Committee (2020–2024) had already expired and that its continued functioning, owing to interim orders, could not be permitted indefinitely. At the same time, it noted the stand of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports that the results of the 2024 elections could be declared to enable a transitional arrangement.Highlighting “apparent factionalism” within AITA, with multiple office-bearers claiming to represent the federation, the Court observed that such divisions were detrimental to the governance of the sport and could not be allowed to impede compliance with the new statutory regime.In these circumstances, the Court directed that the results of the September 28, 2024 elections be declared, and the elected Executive Committee function as an interim body until fresh elections are held under the amended bye-laws.To ensure a smooth transition, the Court appointed former Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal, as Administrator to oversee the functioning of AITA. The Administrator has been tasked with supervising the amendment of AITA's constitution and bye-laws in line with the new law, preparing the electoral college, and conducting fresh elections within a stipulated timeframe.The Court further directed that the interim Executive Committee must fully cooperate with the Administrator, who will also oversee financial operations and ensure that no major financial decisions are taken without approval during the interim period.Appearance: Mr. Varun Dewan and Mr. Himanshu Chaturvedi, Advs. for Petitioner; Ms. Nidhi Raman, CGSC with Mr. Jitendra Kumar Tripathi, GP, Mr. Akash Mishra and Mr. Arunav Padhi, Advs. for UOI; Mr. Ashish Prasad, Mr. P. Dhinoja and Mr. Atri Roy Chowdhury, Advs. for R-AITACase title: Anil Dhupar v. Chintan N Parikh & OrsCase no.: CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025Click here to read order

Delhi High Court Allows AITA Election Results To Be Declared For Interim Management, Orders Fresh Polls Under New Sports Law

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

Tags