Delhi High Court - Orders
Ski And Snowboard India vs President Indian Olympic Association & ... on 10 February, 2026
Author: Jasmeet Singh
Bench: Jasmeet Singh
$~124
* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
+ W.P.(C) 3418/2025 & CM APPL. 16099/2025, CM APPL.
30006/2025, CM APPL. 60184/2025, CM APPL. 79840/2025, CM
APPL. 723/2026
SKI AND SNOWBOARD INDIA
.....Petitioner
Through: Ms. Neha Singh, Advocate
versus
PRESIDENT INDIAN OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION & ORS.
.....Respondents
Through: Ms. Aashita Khanna, Ms. Aanya
Agarwal, Mr. Vidushpat Singhania, Advs. for R1-2
Mr. Udit Dedhiya SPC with Ms Laavanya Kaushik
GP Ms Apurva Sachdev Adv. Preyansh Gupta Adv
for R3
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JASMEET SINGH
ORDER
% 10.02.2026
1. This is a writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking the following reliefs:-
"A. Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction quashing the unilateral, arbitrary and illegal office order dated 13.10.2023 regarding formation of a four-member Ad-Hoc Committee by the This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12 Respondents.
B. Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction quashing the Ad-Hoc Committee and Restoring the democratically elected body of the Petitioner i.e., Ski and Snowboard India, a duly registered independent body.
C. Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction for an enquiry against Respondent Nos. 1 & 2 regarding the alleged complaints against the Petitioner, consultation and recommendation regarding the same with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
D. Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction to Respondent No. 3 seeking clarifications regarding official recognition of the Petitioner for the sport of Ski in India..."
2. The petitioner in the present case is an independent body duly registered as a society under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, and is one of the affiliate members of the India Olympic Association ("IOA") i.e. the respondent No. 1. The petitioner body is responsible for governing the game of Ski and Snowboard and other related activities, with IOA having supervisory control over it.
3. The respondent No. 1 is the president of IOA and is a retired track and field athlete of renowned international reputation. The respondent No. 2 is the Executive Committee of the IOA which administers various aspects of sports governance and athletes' welfare in the country. It This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12 oversees the representation of athletes and teams participating in Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, National Games and other international sports events. The respondent No. 3 is the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, which is the ministry responsible in the Government of India, to nurture young talent encouraging participation in sports and creating policies for the welfare of the youth.
4. The present petition challenges the Office Order No. IOA/S&SI/I-29/2023/1494 dated 13.10.2023, wherein a four-member ad hoc Committee has been formed with directions to involve a retired Judge of the Hon'ble Supreme Court or High Court to conduct fresh elections and oversee the management of the petitioner body. The impugned office order reads as under:-
This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12
5. Ms. Singh, learned counsel for the petitioner, challenges the aforesaid order on the ground that the order has been passed in violation of the principles of natural justice as no show cause notice or opportunity of hearing was granted before dissolving the duly elected body. The impugned order is also without authority and in violation of the constitution of IOA and the concept of "autonomy" as enshrined in the the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011. She further states that, the constituted ad hoc committee formed by the respondent No. 1 comprises of athletes who themselves are participants in international events. It is also alleged by the learned counsel for the petitioner that Mr. Arif Khan (Ad hoc committee member) has chosen himself to represent India at the winter Olympics, 2026. Similarly, another member, namely Ms. TN Rachana Bhavani, also selected herself for cross-country event in Italy, 2025.
6. The ad hoc committee is holding office since the date of the impugned order i.e. 13.10.2023, but has failed to take any steps for conducting the concerned elections and the committee has not even taken any steps to involve a retired Judge of the Hon'ble Supreme Court or a High Court for conducting the said elections. Hence, the present petition is filed.
7. Ms. Khanna, learned counsel for the respondent Nos. 1 and 2 states that the petitioner association is not recognised by the respondent No. 3 or even the International Federation of Ski and Snowboard. It is also stated by Ms. Khanna that the impugned order was passed on the basis of complaints made by the members of the petitioner association itself.
8. Ms. Kaushik, learned counsel for the respondent No. 3, states that the petitioner has not filed any application for concerned recognition.
This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12 Further, she states that the respondent No. 3 undertakes to abide by any Orders passed by this Court.
9. On a pointed query of the Court as to why the elections have not been conducted for a period of more than 2 years from the date of the ad hoc committee assuming office, there is no answer from the respondent Nos. 1 and 2. The only answer available is that there were some internal issues with the ad hoc committee. To my mind this answer is not based on cogent reasons and is insufficient to justify the inaction of the said committee in performing their assigned purpose.
10. Ms. Khanna, draws my attention to the order dated 23.05.2025 which reads as under:-
"CM APPL.31974/2025 (seeking permission to bring on record addl. documents)
1. This is an application filed by the petitioner/applicant seeking permission to place on record certain additional documents in the present petition.
2. Considering the averments made in the application, the same is allowed. The additional documents are taken on record.
3. The application stands disposed of.CM APPL.30006/2025
4. The present application has been filed by the petitioner/applicant being aggrieved by a notice dated 06.05.2025 issued by the Indian Olympic Association Ad-hoc Committee, Ski and Snowboard India to the State/ Union Territory Associations affiliated with the petitioner inviting This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12 them for the 'First General Meeting for Registration and Election of the New National Sports Association (NSA) for Ski and Snowboard India'. The same reads as under :-
"OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN, IOA AD HOC COMMITTEE SKI AND SNOWBOARD INDIA Ref. No.: SSI/010525/01 Date: May 6, 2025 To,
- All State/UT association registered on the Open Registration Portal as of 01 May 2025
- Athlete Representation (1mate, 1Female) Subject: Invitation to the First General Meeting for Registration and Election of the New National Sports Association (NSA) for Ski and Snowboard India Dear Sir/Madam, Kingly refer to the IOA Office Order No.IOA/S&S/I-29/2023/1494 dated October 14 2023, International Ski Federation recognition of IOA Ad-Hoc Committee as acting National Sports Association (NSA) for India and formation of new NSA in letter dated 13th December 2023, and the FIS letter on adoption of new legal framework and conduct of elections for the new NSA Dated 01st May 2025.
The IOA Ad-Committee Ski and Snowboard India is This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12 pleased to formally invite all registered State Federations and 2 appointed athlete representatives to participate in the inaugural General Meeting of Ski and Snowboard India. This meeting aims to initiate the registration process and conduct elections for the formation of a new National Sports Association, as per the authority vested in us by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and in compliance with the directions of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). \ Background and Authority By the authority vested in us by FIS and IOA, this Ad-Hoc Committee announced an open registration portal on our website accessible since September 2024, for a period of 9 months, providing sufficient time for all active and interested State Federations to register. The FIS, upon reviewing our final report, has accorded its approval to proceed with the electoral process.
General Meeting Details We request your presence, who no more than two (2) representatives (1 male and 1 female), at the first General Meeting scheduled to take place on:
- Venue, Pune, Maharashtra.
- Recommended hotels for stay and venue for meeting will be communicated shortly.
- Dates 24th / 25th
- Arrival 24th May 2025 This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12 Inaugural General Meeting: 25th May (From 10 am) Departure: 25th May (Evening) The partner hotels offering preferential rates for your stay will be communicated to you along with the meeting venue specifications. Please note that all travel and stay expenses are to be borne by the attendees. The meeting will be conducted by the IOA Ad Hoc Committee Chairman. During this meeting, we will undertake the following key agenda items:
1. Discussion with registered State Federations and adoption of constitution and bylaws.
2. Election of the founding board for registration of the new Sports Association (NSA) for Ski and Snowboard India.
3. Identification of period and venue of General Election for new NSA.
3. Any Other Matter with the permission of the Chair Invitation to Attend Your active participation and representation in this General Meeting are crucial for the successful formation of the new NSA. We look forward to your confirmation and the names of your representatives (1 male and 1 female) by the 15th of May. Please confirm your participation and provide the details of your representatives to this office by email at [email protected].
This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12 We appreciate the cooperation and support you have provided to the Ad Hoc Committee. Together, we can unlock the vast potential of ski sports in India, promote the welfare of athletes, and work towards a brighter future for Ski and Snowboard India. With your active development, and excellence in the sport. Sincerely, Shiva Keshavan, OLY Chairperson, Indian Olympic Association Ad Hoc Committee, Ski and Snowboard India"
[emphasis supplied]
5. The Ad-hoc Committee was constituted by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) vide an office order dated 13.10.2023 'to manage the affairs of the Ski and Snowboard India (i.e., petitioner) including selection of athletes in making entries for participation of sports person in international events'.
6. At the outset, it is noticed that in the impugned communication, there is reference to "Formation of new NSA"
by the Ad-hoc Committee. The office order dated 13.10.2023 cannot be construed as conferring authority on the Ad-hoc Committee to create a new body/ NSA and requiring entities affiliated to the petitioner, to participate in the process. Therefore, evidently, the communication dated 06.05.2025 is beyond the scope of the mandate conferred vide the office order dated 13.10.2023.
This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12
7. Prima facie, in the guise of appointing an Ad-hoc Committee to manage the affairs of the petitioner, it is impermissible to change the juristic nature and foundational character of the society. It is the stand of the UOI that the petitioner society is not a recognized National Sports Federation, under the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 (the Sports Code). In terms of the Sports Code, it is incumbent on a body to make an application to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for recognition as such, which is granted if the prescribed criteria, is fulfilled. The IOA has no power to "take over" an existing body / society (governed by its charter documents) and "convert it" into an NSA.
8. Also in Bihar Olympic Association vs. President Indian Olympic Association and Anr., 2025:DHC:1179 this Court has taken the view that it is beyond the powers of the President, IOA to appoint an Ad-hoc Committee to "manage the affairs" of its constituent member/s. Although an appeal is stated to have been filed against the said judgment, the same has not been stayed by the Division Bench.
9. In the present case, not only has an "Ad-hoc Committee"
been constituted, the said Committee is seeking to create a "new NSA" out of the petitioner. Prima facie, this is way beyond the scope of authority of the IOA.
10. Learned Counsel for the IOA is unable to respond to a specific query raised by this Court as to whether there is any provision in the IOA Constitution which authorises the IOA or This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12 its Ad-hoc Committee to act in the aforesaid manner. He seeks some time to take instructions
11. Let reply be filed by the non-applicants within a period of four weeks from today.
12. In the circumstances, till the next date of hearing, the Ad-hoc Committee constituted vide office order 13.10.2023, shall refrain from taking any steps pursuant to the aforesaid letter / notice dated 06.05.2025.
13. List on 08.07.2025.
W.P.(C) 3418/2025
14. Let a copy of the reply stated to have been filed by the respondents be brought on record. A copy thereto be also supplied to the learned counsel for the petitioner who is at liberty to file a rejoinder thereto within a period of four weeks from today.
15. List on 08.07.2025, i.e., the date already fixed."
11. Ms. Khanna, learned counsel, states that in terms of the order dated 23.05.2025 passed in the present petition, the respondent Nos. 1 and 2 were restrained from taking steps to conduct the concerned elections.
12. A perusal of paragraph No. 7 of the order dated 23.05.2025 shows that the Court had prima facie given a finding that the respondent Nos. 1 and 2 had no power to take over an existing body/society and convert it into a National Sports Association. It is for this reason, the respondent Nos. 1 and 2 were restrained and not for any other reasons.
13. If the aforesaid stand of the respondent Nos. 1 and 2 is to be accepted, the same would result in putting a premium on its illegalities.
This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12
14. A perusal of the said Order shows that the Court, after going into detail, had castigated the respondent Nos. 1 and 2 for forming an ad hoc Committee to manage the affairs of its constituent members.
15. For the said reasons, the petition is allowed and the order dated 13.10.2023 is hereby set aside and the ad hoc Committee stands dissolved with immediate effect, as it has taken no steps to conduct a free and fair election of the "Ski and Snowboard India". The order dated 23.05.2025 highlights the defaults and wrong doings of the respondent Nos. 1 and 2.
16. For the purpose of conducting the said elections, Ms. Justice Rekha Palli (Retd. Judge Delhi High Court) (Mob. No.9810012120) is appointed as Returning Officer to draw up the list of eligible members and thereafter conduct elections of petitioner body i.e. the Ski and Snowboard India.
17. The entire exercise shall be conducted expeditiously and not later than a period of 12 weeks from the date of uploading of this order.
18. The petitioner and the respondents are directed to cooperate with the Court appointed observer.
19. The fee of the Returning Officer shall be fixed at Rs. 5 lakhs per month to be paid by the IOA.
20. The petition is disposed of in the aforesaid terms.
JASMEET SINGH, J FEBRUARY 10, 2026 / (MS) (Corrected and released on 17.02.2026) This is a digitally signed order.
The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 17/02/2026 at 20:31:12