Summary: The Kerala High Court, led by Justice N. Nagareesh, has ordered a new investigation into the Kerala Hockey elections held on May 15, 2022, due to claims of unfair practices and improper appointments. The court has canceled previous approvals, emphasizing the need for fair elections and good management.
The case is about the Kerala Hockey elections that happened on May 15, 2022. The person bringing the case, C.T. Soji, and others questioned whether these elections were legitimate, saying the organization was not operating legally.
C.T. Soji argued that the group running Kerala Hockey was not set up legally. Complaints from different people led to a check by the Kerala State Sports Council. However, C.T. Soji said this check wasn't done correctly.
"C.T. Soji urged that the setup of the Governing Body of the Kerala Hockey is not according to the rules."
Hockey India, a national sports group, argued that the elections were held under their watch and were valid. They mentioned that someone from the Kerala State Sports Council was there during the elections.
"The leaders of the 4th respondent are qualified to hold the positions."
Even though the Sports Council initially approved the election, more complaints led to a government-ordered check on October 18, 2024. This check suggested breaking up the current committee and holding new elections.
"The report recommended breaking up Kerala Hockey and holding an election for Kerala Hockey within three months."
The court found that the previous approvals of the election were not right because the president, V. Sunilkumar, was not qualified according to the Kerala Sports Act, 2000. The court ordered the Kerala State Sports Council to set up a technical committee to manage the election process.
"The approval given on 02.07.2024 by the Standing Committee of the Kerala State Sports Council to the election...is therefore not right."
The court has told the Kerala State Sports Council to make sure elections are fair by setting up a technical committee. This is to make sure the interests of hockey players in Kerala are protected and that everything is done openly and honestly.
"The Kerala State Sports Council will be allowed to set up a Technical Committee to protect the rights and needs and sports-related interests of the Hockey players in Kerala."
This decision is an important step towards solving the issues within Kerala Hockey and making sure future elections are done fairly and openly.
