INDIAN HOCKEY FEDERATION Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Introduction This petition by the Indian Hockey Federation ('IHF), a society registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, challenges the Resolution dated 28th April 2008 passed by the Indian Olympic Association ('IOA), Respondent No. 2 herein suspending the Governing Council of the IHF, and appointing an Ad-hoc Committee (earlier Respondent No. 3) for administering the affairs of the IHF. The IHF also challenges the decision dated 7th May 2008 of the Union of India through Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports ('MYAS), Respondent No.1, in conveying its approval of the suspension of the IHF and appointment of the Ad hoc Committee by the IOA. The third challenge is to the order passed by the MYAS on 12th May 2008 suspending the recognition of the IHF in terms of Para I.2 of Annexure-III of the Guidelines for Assistance to the National Sports Federations (Guidelines). The fourth challenge is to the subsequent disaffiliation of the IHF by the IOA on 10th May 2009 and finally to the decision dated 10th/11th August 2009 of the MYAS withdrawing the recognition of the IHF. Background Facts.

(2.) The IHF was formed in 1925 for the purposes of controlling and regulating the game of hockey in India. It is stated in the petition that in the year 1927 it joined the International Hockey Federation ('FIH). The office bearers of IHF include the President, 8 Vice Presidents, a Secretary General, a Treasurer and three General Secretaries. The office bearers are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for a term of four years from amongst the representatives of members present and eligible to vote. In the petition it is stated that the IHF has 40 State Associations and other national level sports bodies of various government organizations as its members.

(3.) The IOA was formed in 1927. The membership of the IOA is open inter alia to any national sports federation (NSF)/association. The IHF is one such NSF.