The Delhi High Court has observed that the suspension of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) as a recognised National Sports Federation is prima facie arbitrary.

Justice Amit Mahajan made the observation while hearing a plea filed by the TTFI challenging the Union Government's August 12 order suspending its recognition.

Vide the impugned order, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was asked to constitute an interim mechanism, including an ad-hoc committee, to manage the sport until a compliant governance structure is restored.

“Considering the arguments of the Petitioner, this Court is prima facie satisfied that the impugned order is arbitrary,” the Court observed.

The Court issued notice to the Union Government and the IOA and directed the latter to place on record the paper book of proceedings before the Karnataka High Court concerning the ad-hoc committee, along with the orders passed in those proceedings.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 06.

The TTFI challenged the suspension order on the ground that the action was not in accordance with the procedure prescribed under the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.

The Senior counsel appearing for the federation argued that the Code specifies the grounds on which recognition of a sports federation can be suspended, and that the allegations levelled in the show-cause notice did not fall within those grounds.

It was further argued that the Code permits suspension only as an interim measure until a full and complete inquiry is concluded. According to the federation, no such inquiry was underway in the matter.

The Union Ministry's show-cause notice dated June 30, had raised several concerns regarding the federation's functioning, including alleged misgovernance, lack of coordination among office-bearers, non-compliance with transparency requirements and deficiencies in its governance structure.

The notice also referred to the alleged failure to publish the selection policy for the Asian Games 2026 and the absence of a grievance-redressal mechanism for athletes.

After considering these submissions, the Court expressed prima facie satisfaction that the impugned order was arbitrary and directed the authorities to file their replies, if any, before the next date of hearing.