Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 9: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has upheld the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports' decision to suspend the recognition of the Indian Powerlifting Federation (IPF), ruling that the action was justified under the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, in light of the federation's loss of affiliation with international bodies and the expiry of its recognition.
Justice Sanjay Dhar dismissed the writ petition filed by the IPF, through its President Rakesh Jain, seeking quashing of the suspension order dated October 3, 2017, and the subsequent order dated November 19, 2019. The petitioner was represented by Ajay Vaid, Advocate, while Vishal Sharma, Deputy Solicitor General of India, and Irfaan Khan, Advocate, appeared for the respondents.
The Court observed that the petitioner's recognition had lapsed on December 31, 2017, during the pendency of its suspension, rendering any plea for revocation of the suspension redundant. Moreover, it held that the dissolution of the IPF's executive body by both the International Powerlifting Federation and Asian Powerlifting Federation-its erstwhile affiliating bodies-warranted action under the Sports Code guidelines.
"The guidelines clearly permit suspension where the international federation has suspended or dissolved the national body," the Court noted. "There was no option left with the Ministry but to suspend recognition."
It was also noted that during the period of suspension, another entity, Powerlifting India, emerged under the leadership of Rajesh Tiwari, with claims of new affiliation and support from international bodies. However, the petitioner continued to assert itself as the original body, now affiliated with different international leagues not recognised by the Ministry.
"In the absence of current affiliation with the recognised international federations, and given that recognition has already expired, the only lawful route available to the petitioner is to apply afresh," the Court held.
The petition was accordingly dismissed.
(JNF) |
