Delhi HC Stays Elections Of Gymnastics Federation Of India’s Executive Committee

In an order dated September 27, 2023, the Delhi High Court in Padmaja Garikipati vs. Union of India & Anr. [WP(C) 10138/2023] issued a stay on the election of the executive committee of respondent no.2, the Gymnastics Federation of India.

The petitioner, a practicing Ophthalmologist and coach-cum-manager of her gymnast daughter, alleged non-compliance by respondents with 25 requirements. It was asserted that compliance with directions issued by the Court vide order dated August 16, 2023, in Rahul Mehra vs. Union Of India And Ors. [WP(C) 195/2010] and the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, was necessary. However, respondent no.2 claimed that the said judgement was not applicable to it.

Holding that there was a “prima facie case” in favour of the petitioner and unless “the matter is fully heard by this court, at this stage, there is a serious doubt about compliance of the mandate of the Sports Code and the directions passed in W.P.(C) 195/2010 dated 16.08.2022”, the Court directed a stay on the election of the executive committee of respondent no.2.

The matter will be heard next on January 9, 2024.