The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has taken cognizance of a Public Interest Litigation raising allegations regarding the functioning of the Roller Skating Association in the Union Territory and the alleged misuse of the name and identity of associations connected with the sport.

The PIL was filed by Dixit Gupta, a former international-level roller skating player, along with two parents of young roller skating players, who claimed that the issues raised in the petition directly affect aspiring athletes participating in the sport and have serious implications for their careers and future prospects.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal issued notice in the matter after noting that the petition raises “serious issues concerning the functioning of the Roller Skating Association in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, as also the misuse of the name and identity of the associations.”

Background

The petitioners approached the High Court through a Public Interest Litigation alleging irregularities in the conduct of affairs relating to roller skating activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the petition, petitioner No. 1, Dixit Gupta, is a former international-level roller skating player. Petitioners No. 2 and 3 are parents of young roller skating players who are actively involved in the sport and are directly concerned with the training, participation and selection of players. The petitioners asserted that they had no personal or private interest in the litigation.

The petition alleged that ongoing activities and events connected with the association were adversely affecting the selection process of players for higher-level competitions, including national championships. It was contended that such actions directly impact the careers and future opportunities of young athletes.

The petitioners further alleged that participation and entry fees were being collected from a large number of players without issuance of receipts and without maintenance of proper records, necessitating immediate judicial intervention.

Court's Observation

At the preliminary hearing, the Division Bench noted the nature of allegations made in the PIL and observed that the matter raises serious concerns relating to the functioning of the Roller Skating Association as well as the alleged misuse of the name and identity of associations.

After hearing counsel for the parties, the Court issued notice in the matter.

The Bench recorded the appearance of counsel representing the official respondents and other respondents and granted them time to file their responses and objections to the petition.

The respondents have been granted two weeks' time to file their response and objections, and the matter has been directed to be listed on June 29, 2026, for further consideration.

Case Title: Dixit Gupta & Others v. UT of J&K through Chief Secretary, Jammu & Others

Appearances

Petitioners: Mr. Ankush Manhas, Advocate

Respondents No. 1 & 2: Ms. Sagira Jaffer, Assisting Counsel to Ms. Monika Kohli, Senior AAG

Respondent No. 3: Ms. Anshuja Tak, Advocate

Respondents No. 4 & 6: Ms. Garima Gupta, Advocate

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