Read Time: 02 minutes

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed Bharat Singh Chauhan to continue functioning as Secretary of the All India Chess Federation considering the upcoming 44th World Chess Olympiad.

A bench of Justice MR Shah and Justice Aniruddha Bose said, "For us, National interest is first, and then comes everything else."

The bench was hearing a plea challenging the Delhi High Court order staying Chauhan's position as Secretary of the All India Chess Federation.

Senior Advocate Maninder Singh appearing for Chauhan submitted that the High Court had not given due consideration to the issue that there is an international event to be organized by the federation scheduled next month. 

However, the respondents argued that according to the National Sports development code, no one can hold the position of secretary for more than a tenure of 2 terms.

The apex court, after hearing the arguments, allowed Chauhan to function till August 15 as the Olympiad is scheduled from July 28, 2022, to August 15, 2022.

However, while disposing of the matter, Court asked the Central Government and Chauhan to file a detailed affidavit before the High Court.

Case Title: Bharat Singh Chauhan Vs. Ravindra Dongre & Ors.