Quick Summary: The Bombay High Court has stepped in to make sure the election process of the Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association is fair. The old committee has been removed, and a new person will oversee fair elections.
Sachit Anand Bhosale filed a complaint against the Union of India, arguing that the election schedule for the Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association's leadership was unfair. He said it went against the National Sports Development Code of 2011, which should be followed by groups connected to the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India.
The court, with Judges M.S. Sonak and Advait M. Sethna, initially decided to delay the elections. They noted that the old committee's time in charge ended in October 2023, but they continued without having proper elections. The judges said the elections must follow the Sports Code.
"The elections conducted by the Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association shall be postponed," stated the court.
The Maharashtra State Kabaddi Association argued that the Sports Code didn't apply because Maharashtra hadn't adopted it. However, it was pointed out that the association had changed its rules to match the code. The court found these arguments confusing and not convincing.
The court referred to a decision from the Delhi High Court in the case of K.P. Rao vs. Union of India, which said that the Sports Code's rules about age and time in office apply to all state and district groups connected to the national body.
"The 'age and tenure restriction'... applies not only to the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India but also to all its constituents at the State and District Level."
To ensure fair elections, the court appointed Justice P.K. Chavan as the person in charge. He is responsible for organizing new elections within four months and making sure the association's rules follow the Sports Code.
The old committee must give control to Justice Chavan within 15 days. Until then, they are not allowed to make big decisions or spend money, except for everyday expenses.
"The continuation of the previous executive committee is declared unlawful."
The court decided that the old committee was not following the rules and needed to be replaced to ensure fair elections. Justice P.K. Chavan will take over and make sure the elections are fair and follow the national sports rules.
