By News18
Senior sports administrator Anil Dhupar has contested his recent removal as Secretary General of the All India Tennis Association (AITA), calling the decision disruptive and in defiance of an earlier Delhi High Court order.
On June 27, the AITA Executive Committee passed a resolution to oust Dhupar, citing that the 72-year-old had exceeded the age limit of 70 and completed his term in office. Sunder Iyer was appointed as the interim Secretary General. However, Dhupar claims the move is both illegal and premature, especially as the federation鈥檚 election results are still under judicial review.
The Delhi High Court is currently hearing a writ petition filed by former Indian tennis players Somdev Devvarman and Purav Raja, who challenged the validity of last year鈥檚 AITA elections. Although the elections were not halted, the court had ordered the results to be sealed, pending the outcome of the petition.
Legal Plea Highlights Violation of Court Orders
In his petition, Dhupar argued that the Executive Committee鈥檚 resolution directly violates the court鈥檚 previous directive.
鈥淭he entire sequence of events reflects a calculated design to defeat the authority and dignity of this Hon鈥檅le Court and to render its binding directions otiose. Such conduct not only undermines the rule of law but also shakes the institutional faith in the justice delivery system,鈥 the plea stated.
Dhupar further accused the AITA leadership of attempting to unlawfully amend the federation鈥檚 Constitution and take control of its finances. 鈥淩ecently, they have also attempted to take over the bank account of AITA,鈥 the plea noted.
Allegations of Bias and Selective Action
Dhupar also alleged selective enforcement of the Sports Code. His plea claims several Executive Committee members are themselves over the age limit of 70 and in violation of tenure norms, yet no action has been taken against them.
鈥淭he actions of the Non-Applicants have undermined the dignity and authority of this Hon鈥檅le Court and have set a dangerous precedent for sports governance in India,鈥 the plea added.
Court Hearing Scheduled for July 11
During a brief hearing, the court declined to issue an interim order but scheduled the next session for July 11. 鈥淣o interim order was passed by the court today,鈥 said Parth Goswami, counsel for the state associations.
Dhupar, along with AITA President Anil Jain, maintained that the June 27 meeting was 鈥渋llegal鈥 due to the sub-judice status of the ongoing legal proceedings.
(with PTI inputs)