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Following a petition by a former National Hockey Player, alleging biased selections, the Delhi High Court directed Hockey India to investigate the claims. Justice Mini Pushkarna emphasized the non-adversarial nature of the petition, highlighting the need for Hockey India's intervention in the interest of national fairness.

“The present petition is not adversarial in nature and that the serious issues which have been highlighted by the petitioner with respect to the selection at the State Level not being fair, has to be looked into by the Hockey India, in the national interest”, the Court held. 

The petitioner accused the Secretary General of willfully disobeying a Court order from July 24, 2023. Advocate Akshay Mann, representing the petitioner, argued that candidates lacking tournament experience were being chosen based on connections with office bearers.

In response, Advocate Shyel Trehan, representing the Secretary General, contended that Hockey India had not committed to sending observers for the Andhra Pradesh State Team selection. However, it was noted that the petitioner's grievances were presented to the Grievance Redressal Committee, which recommended sending observers as standard practice.

Recognizing the gravity of the allegations, the Court urged Hockey India to develop a policy ensuring fairness in state-level selections. The Bench emphasized the importance of state-level players in the national selection process and directed the petitioner to submit a list of overlooked talented players.

Despite the State Hockey Association not raising the issue, the Court urged Hockey India to consider and address all concerns raised to ensure fair selection at the state level. A two-week deadline was given for the submission of the list.

Furthermore, the Court directed the respondent to assess the identified players' talent and potential inclusion in the State Team. It also suggested exploring the establishment of a national-level mechanism to address selection-related complaints, ensuring transparency in state-level team selections nationwide, and preventing the oversight of talented players.

Accordingly, the Court listed the matter for April 22, 2024. 

Case Title: Mohammed Moinuddin Ahmed v Bhola Nath Singh Secretary General, Hockey India