Delhi HC: Chandigarh Horse Riders' Appeal on EFI's Special Permissions Dismissed

Summary: The High Court of Delhi rejected the attempts by the Chandigarh Horse Riders Society to overturn decisions that favored the Rajasthan Equestrian Association. The case was about disagreements over membership and how the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) is run.

The Players: Who's Who?

The case involved several groups: - Chandigarh Horse Riders Society: The group trying to change the court's earlier decisions. - Rajasthan Equestrian Association (REA): The group that disagreed with the special permissions given to EFI. - Equestrian Federation of India (EFI): The national organization in charge of horse sports in India.

Background: What's the Fuss About?

The case started when the Rajasthan Equestrian Association questioned whether the Equestrian Federation of India was following the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011. The court had previously wondered about the special permissions given to EFI that let them skip some rules.

Key Events and Dates

• April 2022: The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) gave special permissions to EFI.
• July 2023: The court found that EFI was operating without a proper leadership group because their terms had ended.
• January 2025: The court decided that the special permissions were not based on facts and called for an investigation.

Court's Findings: What Did the Judges Say?

• Judges Anil Kshetrapal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar decided that the special permissions given to EFI were unfair.
• They pointed out that EFI's leadership was biased towards clubs and individuals, especially from the Indian Army, instead of state groups.

"The exemptions granted to the EFI are arbitrary and lack a substantive factual foundation."

The Appeals: What Did Chandigarh Horse Riders Want?

Chandigarh Horse Riders Society argued: - The court was getting involved in things it shouldn't. - The special permissions were needed because horse sports are unique.

However, the court rejected these arguments, stressing the importance of being open and following the Sports Code.

The Verdict: What's the Final Word?

On December 23, 2025, the court rejected the appeals, reinforcing the need for EFI to follow the Sports Code and maintain fair management practices.

"The present Appeals lack merit and accordingly, are dismissed."