Court Clarifies Kerala Hockey's Role Amidst Disaffiliation Concerns and Financial Irregularity Allegations
In a significant judgment, the Kerala High Court, comprising Justices Sathish Ninan and P. Krishna Kumar, addressed the ongoing legal tussle involving Kerala Hockey and Hockey India. The court clarified that despite the suspension of Kerala Hockey's recognition, the organization retains the right to select and forward names to Hockey India. This decision hinges on the stipulation that such selections be conducted by a technical committee under Kerala Hockey's banner, reaffirming its status as an affiliated body of Hockey India.
The court's decision came in response to two review petitions: R.P. No. 527 of 2026 filed by Kerala Hockey and R.P. No. 656 of 2026 by Hockey India. The case revolves around the suspension of Kerala Hockey's recognition, which Hockey India contended should preclude Kerala Hockey from forwarding names for national consideration. However, the court emphasized that Kerala Hockey remains an affiliated body and, in the absence of any other state-affiliated body, can continue its role in player selection.
The judgment also addressed grievances related to alleged financial irregularities, which purportedly led to Kerala Hockey's disaffiliation. Kerala Hockey argued that the disaffiliation was due to non-furnishing of annual returns rather than financial mismanagement. Documents including Ext.P11(f), a communication from Hockey India's Secretary General, outlined the failure to provide financial documentation, which was seen as evidence of operational irregularities.
During the proceedings, the applicability of Section 31 A(3) of the Sports Act was debated, which allows for disaffiliation on grounds of financial irregularity. The court noted that this statutory provision was not in force at the time of the alleged irregularities. Consequently, the judgment clarifies that references to financial irregularities in the initial judgment were specific to the writ appeals and are not binding in other proceedings, allowing Kerala Hockey to challenge these claims in appropriate forums.
Ultimately, the court's ruling balances the technical requirements of affiliation with the need for due process and fairness in addressing allegations against sports bodies. The review petitions were disposed of with these clarifications, allowing Kerala Hockey to maintain its operational role within the confines of the technical committee's oversight.
Bottom line:-
Sports Law - Suspension of recognition of Kerala Hockey does not affect its right to select and forward names to Hockey India, provided such selection is done by the technical committee under the banner of Kerala Hockey, which remains an affiliated body of Hockey India.
Statutory provision(s): National Sports Development Code of India Clause 1.3, Sports Act Section 31 A(3)
Kerala Hockey v. Rajeev P.J., (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2947342
