Andhra Pradesh HC Issues Notice On PIL Alleging Mismanagement In 'Hockey Andhra Pradesh', Seeks Clarity On Association's Recognition Status

The Andhra Pradesh High Court has issued notice on a PIL petition alleging financial fraud and mismanagement in the administrative committee of the federation 'Hockey Andhra Pradesh' which is affiliated with Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India.

A division bench of Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Ravi Cheemalapati issued notice on the plea and sought clarification from the "Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh as also the Sports Authority of India as to how the participation of players in the events organized" by respondent no. 8–Hockey Andhra Pradesh "would be considered even without there being a formal recognition accorded" to respondent No.8 in that regard. 

"It appears from the record that the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh by virtue of its communication, dated 29.09.2023, allowed respondent No.8 to be kept under observation for a period of three years after which it was ordered that the association would get recognition if it follows the National Sports Development Code, 2011. The observation period is to end in August, 2026," the order notes. 

The petitioner had contended that were multiple petitions that were filed and are pending involving issues pertaining to members inter se of Hockey Andhra Pradesh as also issues pertaining to the recognition of the association. The plea also alleged financial mismanagement and irregularities committed by Hockey Andhra Pradesh.

The petitioner stated that a representation dated November 11, 2024 was also filed with Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh which has not elicited any response.

It was stated that only after the end of the observation period of 3 years, if the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh accords recognition to Hockey Andhra Pradesh, an intimation would follow to the Sports Authority of India. The petitioner said that there is uncertainty with regard to the fate of those hockey players who have been participating in sports events organized by Hockey Andhra Pradesh and are in the process of participating in events organized by it, inasmuch as until and unless Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh grants formal recognition, their achievements in the said sport would not be beneficial either for purposes of reservation in professional courses or for employment purposes.  

Finding some merit in the petitioner's contention the court sought clarity from the concerned sports authorities and further directed the respondents to file their responses.  "In the meantime, the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh would consider the representation filed by the petitioner and pass appropriate speaking orders within a period of eight weeks," the court said. 

The matter is next listed on April 16.

Case title: Mohammad Moinuddin Ahmed vs UOI

Counsel for petitioner: P Durga Prasad

Counsel for State: GP for Sports

Counsel for Centre: Central Government Counsel Divya Datla

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