The Kerala High Court, led by Judge N. Nagareesh, gave a decision on November 25, 2025, about the ongoing issues within the Kerala Hockey Association. The case involved several complaints questioning the fairness of the association's leadership elections and its approval by the Kerala State Sports Council.
The complaints were about claims that the Kerala Hockey's leadership was acting against the rules. The person who brought the case, Mr. C.T. Soji, said that the leaders weren't supposed to be in their roles. An investigation by the Kerala State Sports Council had already been done, but Mr. C.T. Soji argued it was done without giving him a proper chance to speak.
"Mr. 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 organization, responded with their side of the story. They said that the elections were done under their guidance and were fair. They also pointed out that the Kerala State Sports Council had approved the election held on May 15, 2022.
"The leaders of the Kerala Hockey are qualified to hold their positions."
Even though the election was initially approved, complaints led to a government-ordered investigation. The investigation suggested breaking up the current committee led by V. Sunilkumar and holding new elections. A temporary group was suggested to manage the association until new elections were held.
"The Government issued an order on 02.05.2025 stating that the Investigation Committee has recommended breaking up Kerala Hockey."
The court found that the Kerala State Sports Council does not have the power to break up the Kerala Hockey Association or run its elections. However, the government was allowed to order an investigation and make suggestions.
"The authority of the Kerala State Sports Council in handling the sports organizations is limited to registration and approval."
The court canceled the previous approval of the 2022 election by the Sports Council and the government's order to break up the association. However, it allowed the creation of a temporary group to protect the interests of hockey players in Kerala until a recognized leadership is back in place.
"The court cases are concluded as mentioned above."
The decision shows the complicated relationship between state sports councils, national organizations, and government authorities in managing sports groups. The court's decision aims to ensure fair leadership and representation in Kerala Hockey.
