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Synopsis

 A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Delhi High Court alleging that the All India Chess Federation (AICF) has been turned into a personal fiefdom and battleground by a few members. The PIL seeks suspension of AICF office bearers for violating the National Sports Code of 2011. 

The high court has issued notice and directed AICF and the Union of India to file their respective replies within two weeks.

Filed by Abhijeet Mondal, a former national-level chess player who is currently a licensed chess coach and Rajinder Telli, an International FIDE-rated player, a FIDE Instructor, and an International Arbiter the PIL seeks directions in the nature of mandamus to immediately suspend the membership of members and office bearers of the AICF who are allegedly holding their positions in violation of the National Sports Code.

It highlights continuous and blatant violations by the AICF of the various guidelines and directions issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Union of India.

"The instant Writ Petition under Art. 226 of the Constitution of India is being preferred before this Hon’ble Court against the deliberate, blatant, and continuous violations of the guidelines/directions issued under the National Sports Code, 2011 (“NSDC 2011” / “Sports Code”) by Respondent No. 2 -All India Chess Federation (“AICF”)," the PIL reads.

Citing the High Court's judgment in Rahul Mehra vs Union of India, the PIL emphasises that the Sports Code is applicable to all National Sports Federations (NSFs), including the All India Chess Federation (AICF), as well as to all its constituent State and District Associations."

The PIL points out the non-compliance of AICF's Secretary, Mr Dev Patel, and three Vice Presidents—Mr. A.K. Raijada, Mr Dibyendu Barua, and Mr Mahaveer Ranka. It claims that these individuals are not adhering to the provisions of the National Sports Code and thereby undermining the governance standards prescribed by the code.

".....The functioning and administration of AICF is being conducted arbitrarily against the provisions of the Sports Code, including but not limited to conduct of The recent Elections for the posts of the Executive Committee, non-13 adherence to Age and Tenure limits for Office Bearers, failure to ensure compliance of Sports Code by State/District Associations, etc..", the PIL adds.

Given this, the PIL seeks the issuance of a writ, order, or direction in the nature of a mandamus directing the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) to undertake fresh elections for a duly qualified Executive Committee of the AICF.

Furthermore, the PIL urges the indulgence of the High Court to appoint an Administrator to take over the day-to-day affairs of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and to issue directions to form a committee, headed by a Hon’ble Retired Judge (either of the Hon’ble Supreme Court or High Court), to oversee the implementation of the Sports Code and to bring about necessary changes in the bye-laws of the AICF.

Case Title: ABHIJIT MONDAL & ANR v UNION OF INDIA& ANR.