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On the last date of hearing, the bench was apprised that the joint delegation of FIFA-AFC conveyed during the visit in June 2022 that a democratically elected body should be in position in September 2022.
A Supreme Court bench of Justices Chandrachud and Surya Kant today adjourned the hearing in the matter pertaining to the finalization of a new constitution for the All India Football Federation to Wednesday (August 3, 2022), owing to paucity of time.
The bench has orally assured that on the next date of hearing, it will ensure that a democratically elected body will be put in place in time for the Under-17 Women's world cup that is to take place in October 2022.
The court was hearing a plea filed by the All India Football Federation challenging the Delhi High Court order staying the fresh elections of the committee, in addition to this, the bench was also considering an intervention application alleging that a committee is continuing illegally for over a decade.
In May 2022, the apex court appointed a committee consisting of Justice Anil R Dave (Retired Supreme Court Judge), Dr. SY Qureshi (former Chief Election Commissioner of India), Mr. Bhaskar Ganguly (former Captain of the Indian Football team) to take up the administration of the All India Football Federation as an interim measure.
On the last date of hearing, the Supreme Court was informed that the COA have finalized the report and 215 comments were received by them. The bench was also apprised that the joint delegation of FIFA-AFC conveyed during the visit in June 2022 that a democratically elected body should be in position in September 2022. The court, thus held that the next stage would be for the Court to hear the objections and finalise the Constitution.
When the matter came up for hearing today in the afternoon, the bench opined that since the case would require detailed consideration, it would be appropriate if the matter is heard on Wednesday. At this juncture, Sankaranarayanan pointed out that FIFA has made it clear that they would want a democratically elected body at the helm of AIFF.
The bench opined that on Wednesday, they will consider finalizing the constitution in order to make way for elections before Mid September. The matter has thus been adjourned to Wednesday (August 3, 2022) on top of the board.
Case title: All India Football Federation Vs Rahul Mehra & Ors
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