High Court Issues Directions For Conducting Delhi Capital Badminton Assn Elections

The Delhi High Court has issued directions for the purpose of conducting elections for Delhi Capital Badminton Association after observing that the ultimate aim of the said exercise is to ensure that the elections are conducted in a smooth manner.

Justice Pratibha M Singh, who directed the Returning Officer to fix a date of election on or before 30th September, also called for a report to be filed by the Officer by October 15.

"Be that as it may, considering the overall nature of this matter,the ultimate aim is to ensure that the DCBA election is conducted smoothly with all the constituents of the DCBA having been given an opportunity to participate in the said elections," the Court said.

The development came in an application filed in the writ petition seeking extension of further time for Returning Officer to conclude the conduct of the elections in the matter. 

During the course of hearing, Advocate Talha Abdul Rahman submitted before the Court that in view of various discrepancies and irregularities found by the Returning Officer in 11 District units, the same were first required to be rectified before election is conducted for the DCBA.

On the other hand, it was submitted by Badminton Association of India that due to the non-conduct of elections and the office bearers not being in position in the DCBA, the players' interest was severely jeopardized as selection and other procedures were being interfered with.

The Court directed that the Returning Officer would be free to give directions to the 11 district units of the DCBA and that the Association will ensure that any irregularities or deficiencies are removed in such the District Units on an urgent basis.

The Court clarified that the election will be held strictly in terms of the previous order dated 31st May, 2021 passed by the Court wherein outsiders were excluded to participate in the elections of the DCBA, thereby permitting only the members being nominated by the various district members associations to participate.

"The question as to the number of posts qua which the elections should be held, in accordance with the rules of the BAI, would now be decided in a fresh meeting to be held of the DCBA. The same would be presided over by Justice (Retd.) Brijesh Sethi, the Election Officer. The Secretary of the BAI can be present to assist the Election Officer," the Court had directed in previous order.

Accordingly, the Court requested the Returning Officer to ensure that the elections are not postponed in any manner. It also said that any irregularities or deficiencies can be cured by the district units and State unit even after the notification of the election.

The application was therefore disposed of.

Title: DELHI CAPITAL BADMINTON ASSOCIATION v. UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

Click Here To Read Order