Delhi High Court restrains Narinder Batra from discharging duties as President of Indian Olympics Assn., Anil Khanna Sr. VP to take over

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Synopsis

While hearing a contempt petition filed by former Olympian Aslam Sher Khan, the Delhi High Court has restrained Narinder Dhruv Batra from discharging functions as the President of the Indian Olympics Associaton (IOA).

The Delhi High Court on Friday restrained Narinder Dhruv Batra from discharging functions as the President of the Indian Olympics Association (IOA) as per the court’s order dated May 25, 2022.

A vacation bench of Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma observed that Anil Khanna, Senior Vice President will take over the duties and responsibilities of the President and further directed that Khanna shall perform any other tasks/ functions as directed by the President, the Executive Council or the General Meeting.

Court was hearing a contempt petition filed by former Olympian Aslam Sher Khan alleging that Batra had continued to occupy the post despite this court’s order. He also alleged that IOA was also in contempt of the court’s order dated May 25, 2022.

The Counsel appearing for Khan contended that Batra had been removed from the position of Life Member held by him in the National Sports Federation (NSF) by the order dated May 25, 2022.

It was further contended that Batra had committed contempt of court by continuing as President, of IOA, and he should not be further allowed to perpetuate contempt.

On the other hand, counsel appearing for IOA submitted that Batra had earlier been informed that his position as the President of IOA would end right away from May 25, 2022.

It was further submitted that the IOA had already implemented the order of the High Court and the duties and responsibilities of the President, IOA as per the Constitution of IOA had been taken over by Sr. Vice President Anil Khanna.

The Court issued a notice to Batra and the IOA as to why proceedings of contempt not be initiated against them.

The single judge bench further emphasized that the functioning of the Sports Federation should be above any kind of doubt and the purity of functioning in such federations are much more important than the individual who holds the position.

Conclusively, Court held that Batra is restrained to discharge any function as President, IOA further, and Anil Khanna will take over his duties and responsibilities.

The matter has been listed for further hearing before the roster bench on August 3, 2022.

Case Title: Aslam Sher Khan vs. Narinder Dhruv Batra & Ors.