In a recent decision, the Kerala High Court dealt with the ongoing argument about the Kerala Hockey elections. Judge N. Nagareesh gave the decision on November 25, 2025, which involved several requests related to how Kerala Hockey is run.
The argument started when claims came up about whether the Kerala Hockey's Governing Body was operating legally. Kal Leonal Pinhero, a former player and captain of the Kerala State Hockey Team, said that the body's actions were illegal and unfair. This led the Kerala State Sports Council to create a group to look into the matter.
The Sports Council accepted the group's report without a proper hearing, which Kal Leonal Pinhero challenged. He wanted to cancel the actions taken on December 14, 2023, and asked for a new election for the Governing Body.
"Kal Leonal Pinhero also wanted the Sports Council to make decisions on Exts.P1 and P2 requests within a certain time."
Hockey India, a national sports group, supported the current Kerala Hockey leadership, saying the elections were held under its guidance. The Kerala State Sports Council also supported the election process, claiming Kal Leonal Pinhero did not have the right to challenge it.
The elections held on May 15, 2022, were a major point of disagreement. Kal Leonal Pinhero argued that the elections were not valid without an official observer from the Sports Council. Despite this, the Kerala State Sports Council eventually approved the election results.
On October 18, 2024, the Kerala Government ordered a new investigation, leading to suggestions for breaking up the current committee led by V. Sunilkumar. The Government told the Sports Council to start new elections within three months.
"The Enquiry Committee suggested breaking up the Hockey Association led by V. Sunilkumar as President."
The court found the Government's actions reasonable, noting that the Kerala State Sports Council does not have the power to break up Kerala Hockey or get involved in its election process. However, the Government can oversee these matters under the Kerala Sports Act, 2000.
The court canceled the Sports Council's previous approval of the election and supported the Government's order for a new election, stressing the need for a Technical Committee to protect players' interests in the meantime.
"The Kerala State Sports Council will be free to appoint a Technical Committee to protect the rights and needs and sports-related interests of the Hockey players in Kerala."
This case shows the ongoing challenges in keeping things transparent and legal in sports associations, with the court playing a key role in solving disputes.
For more details, refer to the court documents and judgment delivered by Judge N. Nagareesh.
