High Court Stays BAI's Decision Disaffiliating Karnataka Badminton Association Over Non-Revision Of Bye-Laws

A single judge bench of Justice S G Pandit while issuing notice to the respondents said,

"On perusal of the impugned letter (Annexure-A) dated 13.07.2022, it would not indicate or disclose issuance of any notice before disaffiliating the petitioner-the Karnataka Badminton Association. The matter requires consideration. Stay of impugned letter (Annexure-A) bearing No.BAI/GEN/126/2022 dated 13.07.2022."

Senior Advocate Uday Holla and Advocate Manian K B S appearing for the petitioners submitted that the impugned letter disaffiliating the petitioner herein is in violation of principles of natural justice and that no prior notice was issued.

 Additional Advocate General Arunashyam, appearing for the State and its Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports submitted that petitioner-Association has not amended its Byelaws in tune with the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.

Following which the bench passed the interim order staying the impugned letter and posted the matter for further hearing after two weeks and directed the respondents to file their objections.

In March, the BAI had asked the KBA to bring its Constitution in line and given it four months' time to do so. However, the KBA, on its part, sought to create a new body named Karnataka Badminton Association — Badminton Management Committee that would deal exclusively with badminton-related activities and implement the laws as desired.

Case Title: THE KARNATAKA BADMINTON ASSOCIATION v  BADMINTON ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

Case No: WP 14322/2022

Appearance: Senior Advocate Udaya Holla for Advocate Manian K.B.S for petitioner; ASG H. Shanthi Bhushan, for R2; AAG Arunashyam for R3,R4