All India Tennis Association vs Somdev Kishore Devvarman & Ors.

$~DB-1 & 2
* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
% Date of Decision: 18.06.2026
+ LPA 422/2026, CM APPL. 37188/2026, CM APPL. 37189/2026 &
CM APPL. 37190/2026
ALL INDIA TENNIS ASSOCIATION .....Appellant
Through: Mr. Avi Singh, Senior Advocate with
Mr. Akshit Pradhan, Mr. Parth
Goswami, Ms. Tanvi Anand and Mr.
Divyansh Agrawal, Advocates.
Versus
SOMDEV KISHORE DEVVARMAN & ORS. .....Respondents
Through: Mr. Gautam Narayan, Senior
Advocate with Ms. Asmita Singh,
Ms. Trisha Chandran & Mr. Tushar
Srivastava, Advocates for R-1 & 2.
Ms. Nidhi Raman, CGSC with Ms.
Akash Mishra & Mr. Jitendra Kumar
Tripathi, GP.
AND
+ LPA 447/2026, CM APPL. 38793/2026, CM APPL. 38794/2026,
CM APPL. 38795/2026 & CM APPL. 38796/2026
SOMDEV KISHORE DEVVARMAN .....Appellant
Through: Mr. Gautam Narayan, Senior
Advocate with Ms. Asmita Singh,
Ms. Trisha Chandran & Mr. Tushar
Srivastava, Advocates.
Versus
UNION OF INDIA .....Respondent
Through: Mr. Avi Singh, Senior Advocate with
Mr. Akshit Pradhan, Mr. Parth
Goswami, Ms. Tanvi Anand & Mr.
Divyansh Agrawal, Advs. for R-2.
Ms. Nidhi Raman, CGSC with Ms.
Akash Mishra, Advocate.
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 1 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE TEJAS KARIA
HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE MADHU JAIN
TEJAS KARIA, J. ( Oral )
1. The present Appeals arise from the common Judgment dated
27.04.2026 (“ Impugned Judgment ”) passed in W.P.(C) No. 13458/2024
(“ Writ Petition ”) and CONT.CAS(C) 1378/2025.
2. The Impugned Judgment has been assailed by the All India Tennis
Association (“ AITA ”) in LPA 422/2026, insofar as it directs the
appointment of Justice (Retd.) Ms. Gita Mittal, former Chief Justice of the
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, as the Administrator of the
AITA (“ Administrator ”), and further directs her to discharge various
functions and vests several powers in her. The following reliefs are sought
by the AITA in LPA 422/2026:
“ Pass an order setting aside Paragraphs 43(iv) to 43(xvi) of the
Impugned Orders dated 27.04.2026 passed by the Ld. Single Judge
in Writ Petition (C) No. 13458 of 2024 titled Somdev Kishore
Devvarman & Anr. v. Union of India and Others; ”
3. The Impugned Judgment has also been assailed by Mr. Somdev
Kishore Devvarman and Mr. Purav Mukul Raja in LPA 447/2026, insofar as
it grants recognition to the Executive Committee elected pursuant to the
election dated 28.09.2024 (“ AITA Election ”) and permits the said
Executive Committee to function as the Interim Executive Committee for
managing the day-to-day affairs of the AITA until fresh elections are
conducted by the Administrator. The following reliefs are sought by Mr.
Somdev Kishore Devvarman and Mr. Purav Mukul Raja in LPA 447/2026:
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 2 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

“ Pass an order setting aside Paragraphs 21, 40, 43(i) to 43(iii) of
the Impugned Judgment dated 27.04.2026 passed by the Ld. Single
Judge in Writ Petition (C) No. 13458 of 2024 titled Somdev Kishore
Devvarman & Anr. v. Union of India and Others; ”
FACTUAL BACKGROUND:
4. In 2011, the Union of India (“ UoI ”) brought into force the National
Sports Development Code of India, 2011 (“ Sports Code ”), for ensuring
good governance of National Sports Federations (“ NSF ”).
5. The AITA Elections for appointment of the Executive Committee for
the term 2024-2028 were scheduled to be held on 28.04.2024. Mr. Somdev
Kishore Devvarman and Mr. Purav Mukul Raja filed the Writ Petition
alleging flagrant violations of the Sports Code and the judgment of this
Court in Rahul Mehra v. Union of India , W.P. (C) No. 195 of 2010, in the
conduct of the AITA Elections, and sought intervention of this Court to
ensure compliance with the Sports Code and the judgment of this Court in
Rahul Mehra (supra) in relation to the conduct of the AITA Elections.
6. Vide order dated 24.09.2024 passed in the Writ Petition, it was
directed that the results of the AITA Elections be kept in a sealed cover and
that the same would remain subject to the outcome of the Writ Petition.
7. On 28.09.2024, the Annual General Meeting of the AITA was
convened, at which the AITA Elections were held, and the results thereof
were placed in a sealed cover before the learned Single Judge in compliance
with the order dated 24.09.2024 passed in the Writ Petition. Since no fresh
election result was declared, the existing Executive Committee of the AITA
continued to carry out the operations of the AITA. On 13.10.2024, the AITA
filed C.M. No. 60675 of 2024 in the Writ Petition seeking opening of the
sealed cover and publication of the results of the AITA Elections.
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 3 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

8. Certain State Associations affiliated with the AITA filed C.M. No.
33324 of 2025 in the Writ Petition, seeking that the AITA Elections be
permitted to proceed, that the newly elected body be permitted to function as
the interim body, and that such body be directed to comply with the Sports
Code and, accordingly, sought opening of the sealed cover and declaration
of the results of the AITA Elections. On 27.06.2025, an Executive
Committee meeting of the AITA was held, wherein it was, inter alia ,
resolved to appoint Mr. Sunder Iyer as the Interim Secretary of the AITA. It
was further resolved that the AITA would comply with the law of the land,
including the then forthcoming Sports Act.
9. The learned Single Judge, thereafter, passed the Impugned Judgment
issuing various directions, including opening of the sealed cover and
declaration of the results of the elections held on 28.09.2024, holding of
fresh elections in consonance with the amended Bye-Laws of the AITA,
constitution of an interim Executive Committee comprising the elected
Executive Committee, and appointment of the Administrator of the AITA to
carry out amendments to the Constitution of the AITA in terms of the
National Sports Governance Act, 2025 (“ Sports Act ”) and the National
Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 (“ Sports
Governance Rules ”) and to oversee the day-to-day affairs of the AITA as
managed by the Interim Executive Committee.
SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE AITA:
10. Mr. Avi Singh, learned Senior Counsel for the AITA made the
following submissions:
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 4 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

10.1. The Impugned Judgment is assailed as having appointed the
learned Administrator without adjudicating the core challenge in
the Writ Petition, namely, the alleged non-compliance of the AITA
Election with the Sports Code as interpreted in Rahul Mehra
(supra). In the absence of any finding of illegality in the
Constitution of the AITA or the AITA Elections, the learned
Single Judge has created a parallel administrative structure and
vested the learned Administrator with wide-ranging powers.
10.2. The Impugned Judgment records no finding of gross
mismanagement or breakdown of internal mechanisms warranting
substitution of the Executive Committee by the learned
Administrator. In the absence of clear and cogent evidence of
grave mismanagement, judicial interference in the affairs of an
autonomous society registered under the Societies Registration
Act, 1860 (“ Societies Registration Act ”) is impermissible.
10.3. The Sports Act and the Sports Governance Rules permit NSFs
time until 30.06.2026, extendable up to 31.12.2026, to amend their
Constitution / Bye-Laws. The appointment of the learned
Administrator, on the assumption that the AITA would not comply
with the said framework, is therefore premature.
10.4. The conferment of powers upon the learned Administrator to
amend the Constitution / Bye-Laws, prepare the Electoral Roll /
College, conduct elections, and supervise the affairs and finances
of the AITA is stated to be illegal, ultra vires , and unsupported by
any provision of the Sports Act or the Sports Governance Rules,
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 5 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

which contemplate only executive and regulatory oversight by the
Central Government.
10.5. Paragraphs 43(v) to 43(xvi) of the Impugned Judgment are
assailed as effectively replacing the democratically elected
Executive Committee with the learned Administrator, including in
respect of constitutional amendments, elections, bank accounts,
financial commitments, and engagement of experts. These
functions are reserved to the Executive Committee and General
Body of the AITA.
10.6. The reliance on alleged factionalism is stated to be legally and
factually untenable, since it pertained to the previous Executive
Committee, which stood dissolved upon declaration of the AITA
Election results and assumption of charge by the present Executive
Committee.
10.7. The remuneration of ₹10,00,000/- per month payable to the
learned Administrator, with liberty to engage experts and
personnel at additional cost, is submitted to be excessive, arbitrary,
and unaffordable for the AITA.
10.8. The appointment of administrators in NSFs is viewed by
international sporting bodies as third-party interference and has, in
several cases, led to suspension or derecognition. The
Administrator-based regime may, therefore, jeopardise the AITA’s
standing and the participation of Indian players internationally,
particularly in view of the Asian Games, 2026. Reliance is placed
on the derecognition of the All India Football Federation (“ AIFF ”)
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 6 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

by FIFA following appointment of a court-appointed Committee of
Administrators.
10.9. The Impugned Judgment transgresses the autonomy of a registered
society. The AITA, being registered under the Societies
Registration Act, is entitled under Sections 5, 6, and 8 thereof to
frame and amend its Memorandum and Regulations, and such
statutory and contractual rights cannot be vested in an external
administrator in exercise of jurisdiction under Article 226 of the
Constitution of India, 1950 (“ Constitution of India ”).
10.10.Reliance is placed on AIFF v. Churchill Brothers Sports Club
Pvt. Ltd. & Anr. , LPA Nos. 321-322 of 2026, wherein this Court
held that a registered society is autonomous and that, absent
express legal authority, a Court exercising jurisdiction under
Article 226 of the Constitution of India cannot assume functions
required to be performed by the society under its own Constitution,
Bye-Laws, Rules, or Regulations.
10.11.Reliance is also placed on Indian Olympic Association v. Union
of India & Ors. , SLP(C) No. 14533/2022, wherein the Supreme
Court stayed the appointment of an administrator in the Indian
Olympic Association on the ground that it could compromise
institutional autonomy and invite coercive action by the
International Olympic Committee.
10.12.The Writ Petition was confined to ensuring that the AITA
Elections complied with the Sports Code and Rahul Mehra
(supra). Once the sealed cover was opened, the present Executive
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 7 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

Committee recognised as an interim body, and steps taken towards
compliance with the Sports Act, the continuance of an unfettered
administrator regime amounts to an unwarranted restriction on the
right of association under Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution of
India.
10.13.Lastly, the Impugned Judgment authorises open-ended interference
in the Constitution, elections, finances, and day-to-day
administration of the AITA without any finding of illegality,
mismanagement, or institutional breakdown. Such an unanchored
mandate is stated to be unsustainable and prejudicial to the
reputation and functioning of the AITA as an NSF.
SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF MR. SOMDEV KISHORE
DEVVARMAN AND MR. PURAV MUKUL RAJA:
11. Mr. Gautam Narayan, learned Senior Counsel for Mr. Somdev
Kishore Devvarman and Mr. Purav Mukul Raja made the following
submissions:
11.1. The AITA has consistently acted in disregard of the erstwhile
Sports Code, the directions of the Ministry, and the judgment in
Rahul Mehra (supra). Its Constitution has not been amended since
2000 and must now be brought in conformity with the Sports Act
and the Sports Governance Rules. Continued supervision by the
learned Administrator is, therefore, necessary to ensure
compliance.
11.2. The learned Single Judge rightly found serious mismanagement
and factionalism within the AITA, impairing its decision-making
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 8 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

and defeating the object of an NSF. The appointment of the
learned Administrator was, therefore, necessary for amending the
Constitution / Bye-Laws and restoring lawful governance.
11.3. The appointment of the learned Administrator to oversee the
affairs of the AITA, supervise amendments to its Constitution /
Bye-Laws, and conduct fresh elections is constitutionally valid and
in the interests of the AITA and its athletes.
11.4. The directions issued to the learned Administrator are necessary to
secure compliance with the Sports Act and the Sports Governance
Rules and to protect the interests of athletes. The Impugned
Judgment erroneously treated the challenge to the AITA Bye-Laws
under the Sports Code as academic after enactment of the Sports
Act and the Sports Governance Rules.
11.5. The validity of the AITA Elections had to be tested against the law
applicable on 28.09.2024, namely the Sports Code as interpreted in
Rahul Mehra (supra). Had such compliance been examined,
several candidates may have been disqualified on account of age,
tenure, and cooling-off restrictions.
11.6. The Sports Act and the Sports Governance Rules, notified on
01.01.2026 and 12.01.2026 respectively, could not validate an
election allegedly illegal when conducted. The material on record,
it is submitted, showed that several elected members were liable to
be disqualified for being over-age or for breaching tenure and
cooling-off requirements.
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 9 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

11.7. Without adjudicating the validity of the AITA Elections, the
Impugned Judgment wrongly declared the results and permitted
the elected body to function as the Interim Executive Committee.
The affairs of the AITA ought instead to have remained with the
learned Administrator until amendment of the Bye-Laws and
conduct of fresh elections, particularly as at least eight members of
the Interim Executive Committee are alleged to be disqualified
even under the Sports Act and the Sports Governance Rules.
11.8. Reliance is placed on All India Football Federation v. Rahul
Mehra , SLP(C) Nos. 30748-30749 of 2017, wherein the Supreme
Court held that sporting opportunities are a material community
resource and sporting bodies are institutions of national life, which
must function with accessibility, efficiency, and integrity. The
Supreme Court also cautioned NSFs against creating conditions for
derecognition by international bodies to resist court-appointed
administrators.
11.9. Reliance is further placed on Board of Control for Cricket in
India v. Cricket Association of Bihar , (2015) 3 SCC 351, to
submit that sporting bodies, though not State under Article 12, are
amenable to writ jurisdiction under Article 226 when they exercise
pervasive control over a sport and discharge public functions. The
AITA, as the governing body for tennis in India, is therefore
subject to judicial scrutiny.
11.10.The learned Single Judge ought to have exercised jurisdiction
under Article 226 to ensure lawful governance of the AITA and to
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 10 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

prevent persons allegedly disqualified on grounds of age, tenure,
or cooling-off requirements from continuing in office. The
Impugned Judgment ought to have determined the eligibility of
each candidate who contested the election dated 28.09.2024.
11.11.In view of the above, it is submitted that paragraph Nos. 21, 40,
and 43(i) to 43(iii) of the Impugned Judgment deserve to be set
aside.
SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE UOI
12. The learned Counsel for the UOI made the following submissions:
12.1. The Ministry received a letter dated 18.05.2026 from the
International Tennis Federation (“ ITF ”), clarifying its position
on the AITA and the Impugned Judgment. The ITF
acknowledged that the AITA Executive Committee had been
recognised on an interim basis and that the AITA Constitution /
Bye-Laws were required to be amended in conformity with the
Sports Act and the Sports Governance Rules by 30.06.2026,
followed by an elected AGM within three months of such
amendments. The ITF also noted the appointment of the learned
Administrator and indicated that, should the learned
Administrator continue beyond the timelines stipulated in the
Impugned Judgment, it may consider action under its regulatory
framework, including review of the AITA’s membership status.
12.2. By letter dated 17.06.2026, the Ministry directed all NSFs to
comply with the Sports Act and the Sports Governance Rules,
and to align their Constitutions / Bye-Laws, institutional
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 11 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

processes, and operations with the statutory framework within
the stipulated timelines, including the deadline of 30.06.2026.
12.3. The UOI does not support appointment of the learned
Administrator, as court-appointed administrators in NSFs are
often viewed by international sporting bodies as third-party
interference and have, in several instances, resulted in
suspension or derecognition by the concerned world governing
body.
12.4. The Ministry does not supervise amendments to the
Constitution / Bye-Laws of NSFs. Under the Sports Act and the
Sports Governance Rules, the UOI’s role is limited to taking
regulatory action, including derecognition, against non-
compliant NSFs.
REJOINDER SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF THE AITA:
13. Mr. Avi Singh, learned Senior Counsel for the AITA made the
following rejoinder submissions:
13.1. The Constitution / Bye-Laws of the AITA, framed under the
West Bengal Societies Act, 1961, constitute a private
contractual framework governing its members and internal
affairs. Neither the Sports Act nor the Sports Governance Rules
contemplate disciplinary or administrative interference through
court-appointed or government-appointed administrators. Such
parallel structures would amount to impermissible interference
with the internal functioning of a private society-based NSF.
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 12 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

13.2. No factionalism existed within the AITA. The Interim
Executive Committee is functioning unanimously and remains
committed to amending the Constitution / Bye-Laws and
conducting fresh elections. There is, therefore, no continuing
factual or equitable basis for continuance of the learned
Administrator.
13.3. In All India Football Federation (supra), the Supreme Court
directed amendment of the AIFF Constitution only as an
interim measure pending notification of the Sports Act and
recognised that further amendments would be required once the
Sports Act came into force. The AIFF, thereafter, amended its
Constitution on 23.05.2026 in compliance with the Sports Act,
without fresh approval of the court-appointed administrator.
13.4. This Court, while exercising jurisdiction under Article 226 of
the Constitution of India, cannot direct an AGM to vote in a
particular manner. The direction in All India Football
Federation (supra) was issued by the Supreme Court in
exercise of its powers under Article 142, which are not
available to this Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of
India, 1950
REJOINDER SUBMISSIONS ON BEHALF OF MR. SOMDEV
KISHORE DEVVARMAN AND MR. PURAV MUKUL RAJA:
14. Mr. Gautam Narayan, the learned Senior Counsel for Mr. Somdev
Kishore Devvarman and Mr. Purav Mukul Raja made the following
rejoinder submissions:
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 13 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

14.1. Section 4(2)(d) of the Sports Act provides that a person shall be
ineligible to contest for election to, or seek nomination to, the
Executive Committee unless such person complies with the
applicable International Charters, Statutes, and bye-laws
governing age and tenure requirements for the Executive
Committee.
14.2. In All India Football Federation (supra), the Supreme Court
did not exercise powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of
India; rather, it exercised appellate jurisdiction while directing
the AGM of the AIFF to vote in favour of the amendments
proposed by the court-appointed administrator.
ANALYSIS AND DIRECTIONS:
15. The present Appeals raise substantial questions of law which require
consideration. However, having regard to the letter dated 18.05.2026
addressed by the ITF to the Ministry clarifying its position with respect to
the AITA and the Impugned Judgment, and indicating that the Constitution /
Bye-Laws of the AITA must be amended in conformity with the Sports Act
and the Sports Governance Rules before 30.06.2026, as also the letter dated
17.06.2026 issued by the Ministry to all NSFs directing compliance with the
Sports Act and the Sports Governance Rules and alignment of their
Constitutions / Bye-Laws, institutional processes, and operations with the
statutory framework within the stipulated timelines, it is considered
expedient and in the interest of justice that the amendments to the
Constitution / Bye-Laws of the AITA be undertaken expeditiously.
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 14 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

16. We were informed that the learned Administrator has on 25.05.2026
has circulated draft of the suggested amendments to the Constitution / Bye-
Laws to all stakeholders with a request to provide suggestions by 01.06.2026
in a column provided in the draft.
17. In view thereof, and without entering upon the merits of the rival
contentions, this Court invited the learned Senior Counsel appearing for the
parties to indicate whether an amicable and workable arrangement could be
arrived at.
18. Learned Senior Counsel for the AITA, without prejudice to its rights
and contentions and upon instructions, submitted that the AITA is agreeable
to holding fresh elections for appointment of its Executive Committee after
amendment of its Constitution / Bye-Laws in conformity with the Sports Act
and the Sports Governance Rules, in the best interests of the AITA and its
athletes. It was further submitted that the Interim Executive Committee shall
provide comments / suggestions to the draft suggested amendments to the
AITA Constitution / Bye-laws as circulated by the learned Administrator on
25.05.2026 and the same may be examined by the learned Administrator
after giving opportunity of hearing to the interim Executive Committee.
19. Learned Senior Counsel for Mr. Somdev Kishore Devvarman and Mr.
Purav Mukul Raja, without prejudice to their submissions and upon
instructions, stated that they are also agreeable to exploring a resolution in
the best interests of the AITA and its athletes, whereby once the Interim
Executive Committee places their comments / objections before the learned
Administrator, the same shall be considered and a reasoned order shall be
passed by the learned Administrator after hearing the parties, which may be
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 15 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

placed before this Court to consider the decision of the learned
Administrator.
20. Accordingly, having considered the proposal of both sides and with
the consent of the Parties, without going into the merits of the present
Appeals, the following Interim Directions are issued:
i. The Interim Executive Committee of the AITA shall examine the
draft amendments proposed by the learned Administrator to the
Constitution / Bye-Laws of the AITA and submit its suggestions,
comments, objections, modifications, amendments, additions or
deletions by providing a brief reasons and justification of the same
on or before 25.06.2026.
ii. Upon receipt of such suggestions from the Interim Executive
Committee of AITA, the learned Administrator shall examine the
same and afford an opportunity of hearing to the Interim Executive
Committee before finalising the proposed amendments to the
Constitution / Bye-Laws of the AITA on or before 15.07.2026.
iii. Thereafter, the learned Administrator shall prepare a consolidated
draft of the proposed amendments to the Constitution / Bye-Laws
of the AITA, wherein all suggestions / comments of the Interim
Executive Committee shall be duly incorporated and if any
suggestion / comment is not accepted, the learned Administrator
shall identify the reason of disagreement and incorporate the same
in the draft to be placed before the General Body of the AITA.
iv. An Extraordinary General Meeting of the AITA shall be held on or
before 31.07.2026 on the date to be determined by the learned
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 16 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

Administrator, at which the proposed amendments to the
Constitution / Bye-Laws of the AITA, as finalised by the learned
Administrator after considering the comments / suggestions /
objections of the Interim Executive Committee, shall be placed for
consideration. The members of the General Body shall deliberate
upon and vote on the proposed amendments clause by clause, and
the decision on each proposed amendment, together with reasons
for its acceptance, rejection or modification, shall be duly recorded
in the minutes of the meeting.
v. Having regard to the urgency of the matter and the timelines
prescribed under the Sports Act and the Sports Governance Rules,
the requirement of the minimum notice period under the existing
Constitution / Bye-Laws of the AITA is hereby dispensed with for
convening the said Extraordinary General Meeting of the General
Body of AITA.
vi. It is clarified that the State Tennis Associations affiliated with the
AITA shall be permitted to vote in the Extraordinary General
Meeting and in the elections to the Executive Committee of the
AITA, irrespective of whether they are compliant with the Sports
Act and the Sports Governance Rules at the time of voting.
vii. Upon completion of the amendment process, elections to the
Executive Committee of the AITA shall be conducted in
accordance with the amended Constitution / Bye-Laws, the Sports
Act, and the Sports Governance Rules, on or before 30.09.2026.
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 17 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54

viii. The Executive Committee of the AITA constituted after
amendment of the Constitution / Bye-Laws and the fresh election
shall ensure that the State Associations affiliated with the AITA
comply with the Sports Act, the Sports Governance Rules, and the
applicable International Charters on or before 31.12.2026.
21. The Impugned Judgment shall stand modified to the aforesaid extent.
All parties are directed to strictly comply with the directions issued herein
and adhere to the timelines stipulated above.
22. Any action taken and/or resolution passed by the General Body
approving, modifying, or rejecting the proposed amendments to the
Constitution / Bye-Laws of the AITA shall remain subject to the final
outcome of the present Appeals. This direction shall also allay the concern
expressed on behalf of Mr. Somdev Kishore Devvarman and Mr. Purav
Mukul Raja regarding the possibility of the General Body not adopting the
draft proposed by the learned Administrator.
23. The present Appeals shall be listed as part-heard matters before this
Bench on 14.08.2026 at 04:30 PM.
TEJAS KARIA, J
(VACATION JUDGE)
MADHU JAIN, J
(VACATION JUDGE)
‘AK’
JUNE 18, 2026 /
LPA 422/2026 & LPA 447/2026 Page 18 of 18
Signature Not Verified
Signed By:NEELAM
SHARMA
Signing Date:22.06.2026
20:28:54