Delhi High Court
Anil Dhupar vs Chintan N Parikh & Ors on 27 April, 2026
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* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
Reserved on: 17th April, 2026
Pronounced on: 27th April, 2026
+ CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025
ANIL DHUPAR .....Petitioner
Through: Mr. Varun Dewan and Mr. Himanshu
Chaturvedi, Advs.
Mob: 8285978269
Email: [email protected]
versus
CHINTAN N PARIKH & ORS. .....Respondents
Through: Ms. Nidhi Raman, CGSC with Mr.
Jitendra Kumar Tripathi, GP, Mr.
Akash Mishra and Mr. Arunav Padhi,
Advs. for UOI
Mob: 9910113783 & 9990952670
Email: [email protected]
& [email protected]
Mr. Ashish Prasad, Mr. P. Dhinoja
and Mr. Atri Roy Chowdhury, Advs.
for R-AITA
Mob: 8017231798
+ W.P.(C) 13458/2024, CM APPL. 56318/2024, CM APPL.
56320/2024, CM APPL. 60675/2024, CM APPL. 68512/2024, CM
APPL. 12672/2025, CM APPL. 16487/2025, CM APPL. 16488/2025,
CM APPL. 19932/2025, CM APPL. 33324/2025, CM APPL.
39033/2025, CM APPL. 39043/2025, CM APPL. 53739/2025, CM
APPL. 67927/2025, CM APPL. 3286/2026 & CM APPL. 14841/2026
SOMDEV KISHORE DEVVARMAN & ANR. .....Petitioners
Through: Mr. Rahul Mehra, Sr. Adv. with Ms.
Trisha Chandran, Mr. Chaitanya
Gosain, Mr. Tushar S, Mr. Hanif
Signature Not Verified
Digitally Signed
By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 1 of 20
Signing Date:27.04.2026
17:49:51
Chimthanawala, Advocates
Mob: 9999981270
versus
UNION OF INDIA & ANR. .....Respondents
Through: Ms. Nidhi Raman, CGSC with Mr.
Jitendra Kumar Tripathi, GP, Mr.
Akash Mishra and Mr. Arunav Padhi,
Advs. for UOI
Mob: 9910113783 & 9990952670
Email: [email protected]
& [email protected]
Mr. Rajiv Dutta, Sr. Adv. with Mr.
Parth Goswami, Mr. Ranjeet Pawar,
and Mr. Pratyush Singh, Advs. for R-
AITA
Mob: 9899753875
Mr. Ashish Prasad, Mr. P. Dhinoja
and Mr. Atri Roy Chowdhury, Advs.
for R-AITA
Mob: 8017231798
Mr. Varun Dewan and Mr. Himanshu
Chaturvedi, Advs. for AITA
Mob: 8285978269
Email: [email protected]
Mr. Akshit Pradhan, Advocate for
Gujarat State Tennis Association.
Mob: 8128998125
Email: [email protected]
CORAM:
HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE MINI PUSHKARNA
JUDGMENT
MINI PUSHKARNA, J.
1. The present writ petition has been filed challenging the elections of the respondent no. 2 - All India Tennis Association ("AITA"), which were Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 2 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 scheduled to be held on 28th September, 2024. The petitioners alleged flagrant violations of the then existing National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 ("Sports Code, 2011") and the judgment dated 16th August, 2022, passed by the Division Bench of this Court in W.P.(C) 195/2010.
2. The matter came to be listed for the first time on 24th September, 2024, wherein, it was directed that the election to the AITA shall remain subject to the outcome of the instant writ petition. Further, the election results were directed to be placed in a sealed cover, with further direction that the result of the election shall not be published. The relevant portion of order dated 24th September, 2024, is reproduced as under:
"xxx xxx xxx
7. The respondents are directed to file their respective counter- affidavits before the next date of hearing.
8. In the meantime, the Election shall remain subject to the outcome of the instant writ petition. Let the result of the Election be placed in a sealed cover by the Election Officer, meaning thereby, the result of the Election shall not be published.
xxx xxx xxx"
(Emphasis Supplied)
3. During the pendency of the present petition, the Government vide its Notification dated 31st December, 2025, brought into force various provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 ("Sports Act, 2025").
4. The following provisions of the Sports Act, 2025 have been brought into force vide said Notification dated 31st December, 2025, issued by the Central Government:
Sections 1 to 3 Sub-Sections (1), (2) and (4) of Section 4 Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 3 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 Sub-Sections (1) and (2) of Section 5 Sub-Section (5) of Section 8 Sub-Section (1) of Section 11 Section 14 Section 15 Sub-Sections (1) to (7) and (10) of Section 17 Section 30 Section 31 Sections 33 to 38
5. Further, the National Sports Board (Search-cum-Selection Committee) Rules, 2026 were notified on 08th January, 2026 and the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 ("Sports Governance Rules, 2026") were notified on 12th January, 2026.
6. In light of the latest enactment and Rules therein, i.e., Sports Act, 2025 and Sports Governance Rules, 2026, this Court takes into consideration the purport and intent of the aforesaid latest legislative mandate that governs National Sports Federations, such as AITA. Therefore, it would be appropriate to discuss certain provisions in relation to the Sports Act, 2025 and Sports Governance Rules, 2026, applicable for the adjudication of the present matter.
7. Section 4(2) of the Sports Act, 2025 details the qualifications of a person for contesting the election or seeking nomination to the Executive Committee of National Sports Bodies, which includes the National Sports Federation for each designated sport, like the AITA for Tennis, in the present case. Section 4(2) of the Sports Act, 2025, reads as under:
Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 4 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51"xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx"
8. Perusal of the aforesaid Section 4(2) of the Sports Act, 2025, brings forth the following:
i. A person seeking to contest for election or seeking nomination to the Executive Committee would have to comply with the International Charters, Statutes and Bye-Laws relating to age and term of members of the Executive Committee.
ii. Such person shall not be more than 70 years of age on the last date of Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 5 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 nomination for election.
iii. Any person aged between 70 and 75 years may contest elections or seek nominations, only if the same is permitted by the International Charters, Statutes and the Bye-Laws.
iv. A person may continuously hold the position of either the President or the Secretary General or the Treasurer, as the case may be, for up-to three consecutive terms separately, or in combination thereof. Such person shall be eligible for election to such posts or to the Executive Committee, after a mandatory cooling off period of one term.
9. Section 4(3) of the Sports Act, 2025 provides that the term of the Executive Committee shall be for a maximum period of four years.
10. Further, Rule 3 of Sports Governance Rules, 2026 provides for representation of sports persons of outstanding merit in the General Body as voting members, at least four in number or any other higher even number. Out of the said members, 50% shall be male sportspersons of outstanding merit and 50% shall be female sportspersons of outstanding merit.
11. Likewise, Rule 4 of Sports Governance Rules, 2026 provides for representation of sportspersons of outstanding merit in the Executive Committee.
12. Section 4(1)(b) of the Sports Act, 2025 provides for maximum of 15 members in the Executive Committee of a National Sports Body, with representation from sportspersons, Athletes Committee and women in the said Committee.
13. Rule 7 of the Sports Governance Rules, 2026 provides for the composition of the General Body, while Rule 8 of the Sports Governance Rules, 2026 provides for the term of office and composition of the Executive Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 6 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 Body.
14. Rule 9 of the Sports Governance Rules, 2026 stipulates the procedure governing election to the Executive Committee, clearly mandating that the election to all elected posts in the Executive Committee shall be conducted at least once every four years, and lays down the procedure and various timelines governing the election to the Executive Committee, in the following manner:
"xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx"
15. Rule 15 of Sports Governance Rules, 2026 sets down that the Bye- Laws of each National Sports Body, which includes National Sports Federations like AITA, shall be in compliance with such guidelines as may Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 7 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 be specified in the International Charters and Statutes. Said Rule 15 of Sports Governance Rules, 2026, reads as under:
"xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx
16. Rule 18 of the Sports Governance Rules, 2026, provides that every National Sports Body shall, within a period of six months, amend its Bye- Laws in conformity with the provisions of the Sports Act, 2025. The six months' period as given in Rule 18 refers to the date of Notification of the said Rules by the Central Government, which is 12th January, 2026. Rule 18 of the Sports Governance Rules, 2026, reads as under:
"xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx"
17. Thus, perusal of the aforesaid provisions makes it apparent that any Executive Committee, as on date, that is to be elected in a National Sports Federation has to comply with the Sports Act, 2025 and the Sports Governance Rules, 2026. Succintly, the following are the aspects which are to be mandatorily complied with by the National Sports Federations for the purposes of election, with the advent of the new legal regime:
i. There has to be strict compliance with the International Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 8 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 Charters, Statutes and Bye-Laws relating to age and term of the Executive Committee.
ii. Section 4(2) of the Sports Act, 2025, imposes restrictions regarding age and tenure of the members of the Executive Committee, subject to cooling-off periods. iii. In both the General Body and Executive Committee, there has to be adequate and mandatory representation of sportspersons of outstanding merit.
iv. The term of the Executive Committee is limited to a period of four years, and elections have to be conducted for the Executive Committee, every four years.
v. The Executive Committee can have maximum of 15 members. vi. All National Sports Bodies, including, the Sports Federations like respondent no. 2 - AITA, are enjoined in view of the Sports Act, 2025 and Sports Governance Rules, 2026, to not only amend their Bye-Laws in accordance with provisions contained therein, but also to hold elections within the timelines as provided therein.
18. It is to be noted that the current strength of the Executive Committee of AITA is 25. On the other hand, as per the Sports Act, 2025, the Executive Committee of the National Sports Bodies shall consist of not more than 15 members.
19. As regards the age limit, the Sports Code, 2011, provided that the President, the Secretary and the Treasurer of any recognized National Sports Federation, shall cease to hold that post on attainting the age of 70 years. However, as per Section 4(2) Proviso of the Sports Act, 2025, the maximum age for all members of the Executive Committee, is 70 years, provided Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 9 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 further that if permitted by the International Charters, Statutes and the Bye- Laws, persons aged between 70 and 75 years may also contest elections or seek nominations.
20. As regards tenure, the Sports Code, 2011 provided for holding of office of the President for a maximum period of twelve years with or without break. As regards the provision for cooling off period between tenures, with respect to Secretary/Secretary General and Treasurer of any National Sports Federation, the Sports Code, 2011 provided for a maximum of two successive terms of four years each, after which a minimum cooling off period of four years was to apply to seek fresh election to either post. On the other hand, as per Section 4(2) Proviso of Sports Act, 2025, for the posts of President, Secretary General and the Treasurer, a person may hold post separately or in combination thereof, for up-to three consecutive terms and a mandatory cooling off period of one term thereafter.
21. The present petition came to be filed when elections to the Executive Committee of the AITA were slated to be held in the year 2024. However, as noted hereinabove, during the pendency of the present petition, the various provisions of the Sports Act, 2025 as well as the Sports Governance Rules, 2026 have been notified by the Central Government. Therefore, the question that was raised before this Court with regard to the Bye- Laws/Constitution of the AITA, not being compliant to the erstwhile Sports Code, 2011, has become academic. In this regard, reference be made to the order dated 13th November, 2024, passed by the Supreme Court in the case of Dr. Arun Damodar Sawant Versus Chancellor, Univ. of Maharashtra and Others, 2024 SCC OnLine SC 3522, wherein, in view of the subsequent developments, including, the enactment of the Maharashtra Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 10 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 Public Universities Act, 2016, the Supreme Court declined to undertake an academic exercise, and held as follows:
"xxx xxx xxx
1. In view of the subsequent developments, including the enactment of the Maharashtra Public Universities Act, 2016, most of the legal issues raised in the present appeals are not alive and do not require adjudication. The appointments in question may have also worked themselves out.
2. In these circumstances, we are not inclined to undertake an academic exercise to decide the present appeals. We, however, make it clear that the appellant, Dr. Arun Damodar Sawant, or any other person, upon being aggrieved, may raise the legal issue with regard to non-compliance with the University Grants Commission's 'Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and other Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education, 2010' and, in particular, Regulation 7.3.0 thereof, in an appropriate writ petition. If any such writ petition is filed, the same will be considered and decided in accordance with law.
xxx xxx xxx"
(Emphasis Supplied)
22. It goes without saying that all the National Sports Federations, including the AITA, are required to bring their Bye-Laws in consonance with the new legislation, i.e., Sports Act, 2025 as well as the Sports Governance Rules, 2026.
23. This Court notes that the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports by way of Letter dated 22nd December, 2025, has allowed for the existing Executive Committee of various National Sports Federations to continue for the time being for the purpose of transitioning to the new electoral framework established under the Sports Act, 2025 as well as the Sports Governance Rules, 2026. The relevant portion of Letter dated 22nd December, 2025, issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, is reproduced as under:
Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 11 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51"xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx"
24. In this regard, it is to be noted that the tenure of the earlier Executive Committee of AITA was for the period from the years 2020-2024, which has already expired. It is only on account of the stay granted by this Court that the earlier Executive Committee has continued.
25. Besides, if the tenure of an Executive Committee is already over, its continuation by way of stay granted by a Court would not confer any legitimacy for such Committee to continue. In this regard, observations of Supreme Court in its order dated 18th May, 2022 passed in SLP(C) Nos. 30748-30749/2017, titled as All India Football Federation Versus Rahul Mehra and Others, may be referred to, which are reproduced as under:
"xxx xxx xxx
7. The elections of the Executive Committee which were held on 21 December 2016 were set aside by the judgment of the Division Bench of the High Court of Delhi dated 31 October 2017. During the pendency of these proceedings, by the interim order dated 10 November 2017, the operation of the judgment of the High Court was stayed, including the directions which were issued in paragraph 22 of the judgment. The normal tenure of the elected body would, in any event, have come to an end on 20 December 2020. The consequence of the order of stay is that despite the expiry of its four year term, the Executive Committee has continued to govern the affairs of the Federation. This state of affairs is Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 12 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 not in the interest of the proper governance of the Federation. ..... xxx xxx xxx"
(Emphasis Supplied)
26. Thus, on account thereof, the old Executive Committee, whose tenure ended in the year 2024, cannot be allowed to continue.
27. At this stage, this Court notes the Affidavit dated 09th October, 2025, filed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, relevant portion of which, reads as under:
"xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx"Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 13 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51
28. Thus, it is the categorical stand of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports that the erstwhile Executive Committee of AITA elected in 2020 for a term of four years, continues to function despite the expiry of their term. Moreover, it is the position of Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, that in relation to AITA, the results of the elections held in the year 2024 be declared and the said elected body be allowed to assume charge of AITA's affairs as an interim arrangement.
29. It is noted that Section 15 (b) of the Sports Act, 2025 and Rule 18 of the Sports Governance Rules, 2026, along with Notifications dated 22nd December, 2025 and 12th January, 2026 issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, clearly provide for the mandate that all National Sports Federations along with all its voting members and affiliates, shall amend their Bye-Laws in conformity with the new legal regime. Accordingly, the Government has given a transitional period to all National Sports Federations to comply with the same.
30. At this stage, it is also pertinent to note that there is apparent factionalism in AITA, on account of rival competing interests. Indicative of the same is that AITA has been represented before this Court by three different factions, i.e., the President, Secretary General and Interim Secretary, each claiming to be representing AITA. Thus, various affidavits and applications have been filed on behalf of persons who purport to represent AITA before this Court.
31. Upon perusal of the pleadings on record, it is manifest that AITA, i.e., respondent no. 2, is being represented by Mr. Anil Dhupar (Secretary General), Mr. Anil Jain (President) and Mr. Sunder Iyer (Interim Secretary), as authorized signatories for AITA in the applications and pleadings placed Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 14 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 on behalf of AITA, before this Court. It is further noted that Reply on behalf of respondent no. 2 - AITA to C.M. 19932/2025, has been filed by all of the three aforementioned persons, claiming to be the authorised representative of AITA.
32. Moreover, an application, i.e., C.M. 39043/2025 has been filed by Mr. Anil Jain (President of AITA), seeking directions against Mr. Hironmoy Chaterjee (Vice President of AITA), Mr. Chintan Parikh (Vice President of AITA), Mr. Raktim Saikia (Joint Secretary of AITA), Mr. Premkumar Karra (Joint Secretary of AITA) and Mr. Sunder Iyer (Joint Secretary of AITA), restraining them from issuing communications for Executive Committee Meeting for AITA.
33. Further, several of the State Tennis Federations, who are the voting members in AITA, and two of whom, i.e., Mr. Sunder Iyer (Joint Secretary of AITA) and Mr. Chetan Kapur (Executive Member of AITA) hold positions in the Executive Committee of AITA, have filed applications on behalf of the State Tennis Federations, seeking directions against Mr. Anil Dhupar and for declaring the election results.
34. The said factionalism is further buttressed by the various notices being issued by the factions on behalf of AITA, along with Email exchanges between the members of the Executive Committee, which reflect the various disputes arising between members of the said Committee. Further, newspaper articles have been placed on record, one of which reads that, "The rival factions in the national tennis federation have picked separate team managers for the upcoming Davis Cup tie against Switzerland, leading to an ego tussle between the members".
35. The creation of factions in a National Sports Body in no manner can Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 15 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 be in favour of fair conduct of functions as is espoused and mandated by the erstwhile Sports Code, 2011 or the present Sports Act, 2025 and Sports Governance Rules, 2026. Further, a National Sports Federation, which is created to further the cause for development of the concerned sport and provide opportunities for athletes, cannot be in such disarray regarding its decision-making powers. Rather, on the contrary, factions of such kind, that are not even in concurrence for putting up a united stand before this Court to represent the interests of a National Sports Body, can in no manner be allowed to jeopardise the future of the athletes of this country.
36. Such factionalism in sports bodies not only does harm to the administration of the sport, but also impacts athlete representation and the image of the country in the international arena. Such a divided house in a National Sporting Body tasked for the administration of the sport, is completely antithetical to the spirit of a sport.
37. Thus, such apparent division between the members of the Executive Committee of AITA, who are in disagreement with regards to the functioning of AITA, cannot be allowed to carry out the changes/amendment in the Bye-Laws and Constitution of AITA, as per the mandate of the new statutory regime.
38. At this juncture, this Court notes that the respondents have placed reliance on the order dated 02nd July, 2025 in CONT.CAS(C) 886/2024 & Connected Matter, titled as "Delhi Rowing Association Versus Rowing Federation of India and Anr." and order dated 09th May, 2024 in W.P.(C) 1938/2024 & Connected Matters, titled as "Maharashtra Volleyball Association Represented By Its Authorized Signatory Viral Shah Versus Union of India and Ors.". However, reliance by the respondents on the Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 16 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 aforesaid orders is totally misplaced, as the said orders were passed with respect to the Sports Code, 2011, when the provisions of the Sports Act, 2025 had not even been notified. The said orders were passed by way of interim orders, when final adjudication in the said matters was yet to be done. Further, in view of the notification of the provisions of the Sports Act, 2025 and Sports Governance Rules, 2026, procedure as mandated therein has to be followed.
39. Though various issues have been raised before this Court, however, considering the narrow perspective of the principal issue before this Court, and in the light of the subsequent development of notification of various provisions of Sports Act, 2025 and Sports Governance Rules, 2026, this Court has confined itself to the dispute regarding the conduct of fresh elections to various posts of Executive Committee of the AITA, in consonance with the amended Bye-Laws/Constitution of AITA, that should be in terms of the binding statutory regime of the Sports Act, 2025 and Sports Governance Rules, 2026.
40. Therefore, taking into account the stand taken by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Letter dated 22nd December, 2025 issued by the said Ministry and the apparent factionalism in AITA, this Court finds it appropriate that in the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, it would be in fitness of things that as an interim measure, during the period when the Bye Laws/Constitution of AITA are amended as per the new legislation, and fresh election of AITA are held pursuant thereto, the results of the elections held in the year 2024 be allowed to be declared for the limited purpose of allowing the new Executive Committee to manage the day-to-day affairs of AITA.
Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 17 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:5141. Further, in the interest of expediency for compliance with the new legal regime, this Court considers it imperative to appoint an impartial Administrator for the limited purposes of overseeing the affairs that would be conducted by the new Executive Committee of AITA, for carrying out the amendments in the Constitution and Bye-Laws of AITA as per the Sports Act, 2025 and the Sports Governance Rules, 2026, and to conduct the elections of the new Executive Committee, in accordance therewith.
42. This Court notes that there have been various orders passed by this Court and the Supreme Court wherein Administrators have been appointed to conduct elections, manage day-to-day affairs and carry out requisite amendments in the Constitution and Bye-Laws of National Sports Bodies. (See: Indian Olympic Association Versus Union of India & Ors., SLP (C) 14533/2022, All India Football Federation Versus Rahul Mehra & Ors., SLP (C) 30748/2017, Aslam Sher Khan Versus Union of India & Ors., W.P. (C) 5703/2020, S.P. Singh Dillon Versus Delhi Capital Badminton Association & Ors., LPA 329/2021, Haryana State Judo Association Versus Judo Federation of India & Ors. and Connected Matters, W.P. (C) 3088/2022).
43. Accordingly, considering the discussion hereinabove, the following directions are issued:
i. The results of elections of AITA held on 28th September, 2024, are allowed to be declared.
ii. The elected Executive Committee shall operate as an interim body to manage the day-to-day affairs of AITA, till fresh elections are held in consonance with the amended Bye-Laws of AITA. iii. The erstwhile Committee shall forthwith hand over charge to the Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 18 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 interim Executive Committee.
iv. Justice (Retd.) Ms. Gita Mittal, former Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, is appointed as an Administrator of the AITA.
v. The learned Administrator shall carry out the amendment to the Constitution/Bye-Laws of the AITA, in terms of the Sports Act, 2025 and Sports Governance Rules, 2026, by 30th June, 2026. vi. The learned Administrator shall prepare an Electoral Roll/College of the AITA, for the purpose of conducting the elections to the Executive Committee, in accordance with the amended Constitution/Bye-Laws of AITA.
vii. The elections shall be conducted by the learned Administrator within a period of three months of the amendment to the Bye-Laws/Constitution of the AITA.
viii. The learned Administrator shall also oversee the day-to-day affairs of AITA, as managed by the interim Executive Committee, as per the interim arrangement.
ix. The interim body of AITA is directed to extend full cooperation to the Administrator in overseeing of the affairs of AITA, as are conducted by it. x. The Administrator shall oversee the operation of all bank accounts of the AITA along with all financial instruments/cheques on behalf of AITA and which may be required for the conduct of its day-to-day affairs, payment of salaries and meeting other expenses.
xi. Till the elections are conducted, and the results are declared in consonance with the duly compiled Bye-Laws and Constitution of AITA, to be amended as per the Sports Act, 2025 and Sports Governance Rules, 2026, Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 19 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51 the interim body of AITA shall not make any new financial commitments except with the prior approval of the Administrator. xii. The learned Administrator shall be entitled to Rs. Ten Lacs per month as fees.
xiii. Learned Administrator shall also be entitled to engage such other persons as may be needed for the purposes of carrying out the directions of this Court, who shall also be entitled to fees as fixed by the learned Administrator.
xiv. The learned Administrator as well as other persons as may be engaged by the learned Administrator shall also be entitled to incidental expenses. xv. The fees/incidental expenses of the learned Administrator, or any persons engaged by the learned Administrator, shall be borne by the AITA. xvi. The interim body of AITA shall make available to the Administrator an appropriate office space and facilities for the discharge of the aforesaid directions and make available such additional staff and personnel as the learned Administrator may express the need for.
44. The present writ petition, along with the pending applications, is accordingly disposed of in the aforesaid terms.
CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025
45. In view of the findings of this Court in W.P. (C) 23458/2024, the prayers in the present petition are infructuous, and therefore, the contempt petition also stands disposed of.
MINI PUSHKARNA (JUDGE) APRIL 27, 2026/KR/SK/AK Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed By:HARIOM SHARMA CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025 & Other Connected Matter Page 20 of 20 Signing Date:27.04.2026 17:49:51