The Delhi High Court has temporarily stopped the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad-hoc committee from creating a new national sports association for Ski and Snowboard India (SSI). Justice Sachin Datta ruled that the committee’s attempt to form a new body is, at first glance, beyond the powers granted to the IOA. The court has ordered the committee to hold off on any related actions until the next hearing on July 8.
The order came after SSI filed a petition challenging a notice issued by the IOA ad-hoc committee on May 6. The notice invited affiliated state associations to attend a general meeting aimed at registering and electing a new national sports association for skiing and snowboarding.
In its May 23 order, the court asked the IOA to explain whether its constitution allows the IOA or its ad-hoc committee to form a new sports association. The court also sought responses from the IOA and the central government.
The court noted, “Not only has an Ad-hoc Committee been formed, but it is also trying to create a new national sports association out of the existing petitioner. Prima facie, this exceeds the IOA’s authority.”
Until the next hearing, the court directed the ad-hoc committee—set up by an office order on October 13, 2023—not to take any steps related to the May 6 notice.
The court further explained that the October 2023 order establishing the committee does not give it the power to create a new association or compel entities affiliated with SSI to participate in such a process. It said that under the guise of managing SSI’s affairs, the committee cannot change the legal nature or core structure of the organization.
SSI, represented by lawyer Neha Singh, challenged the formation of the ad-hoc committee, claiming it was set up without any prior notice or opportunity to respond. The petitioner argued that after the committee was formed in October 2023, it reached out multiple times to the IOA and the government to address its concerns, but received no satisfactory response.
SSI described the committee’s creation as unilateral, illegal, and arbitrary, violating principles of natural justice and the Sports Code. It stressed that no show-cause notice or hearing was provided regarding any complaints that allegedly justified forming the committee.
The petition also stated that the IOA president acted without consulting the IOA executive committee, as required by the IOA constitution.