Delhi High Court Directs AICF to Remove 'India' from Name Due to Lack of Recognition

The All India Carrom Federation must comply with the National Sports Code and seek recognition from the Union of India.

In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has directed the All India Carrom Federation (AICF) to remove the word 'India' from its name, logos, and letterheads. The judgment, delivered by Justice Ms. Mini Pushkarna, came in response to multiple writ petitions challenging the federation's electoral process and its use of the term 'India' in its nomenclature despite lacking official recognition from the Union of India.

The court's decision is rooted in the compliance requirements set forth by the National Sports Code, specifically Clause 3.6(ii) and Clause 3.10, which stipulate that only recognized national sports federations can use 'India' or 'Indian' in their names. As per the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, such usage without government approval is prohibited.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports had previously clarified through a letter dated December 17, 2024, that no federation for the sport of carrom had been recognized. This position was reiterated in court by the Union of India (UOI), emphasizing that the AICF is not a recognized National Sports Federation and operates as a private entity.

The court also addressed the electoral inconsistencies within the AICF, particularly the violation of the 'one state one unit' principle under Clause 3.10 of the National Sports Code. The elections held by the AICF were deemed inconsistent as they included multiple units from the same state, a contravention of prescribed guidelines.

Furthermore, the judgment provides AICF the liberty to make a representation to the UOI for recognition as a National Sports Federation, provided it complies with the directives of the UOI and the provisions of the National Sports Code. Should AICF submit such a representation, the UOI is directed to duly consider it.

In terms of international representation, the court permitted AICF to use the term 'Team from India' for participation in international sporting events, with the explicit condition that these teams must not be portrayed as official Indian teams recognized by the government.

The ruling marks a crucial juncture for AICF, emphasizing the importance of adherence to regulatory frameworks for sports federations in India. The court's directions aim to ensure transparency and compliance in the operations and representations of sports bodies, reinforcing the standards set by national governance.

With these directives, the writ petitions have been disposed of, and the scheduled date for further hearings has been canceled.

Bottom Line:

Directions issued to All India Carrom Federation ("AICF") for removing the word 'India' from its nomenclature, logos, and letterheads, citing the lack of recognition by the Union of India and compliance with the National Sports Code.

Statutory provision(s): National Sports Code Clause 3.6(ii), Clause 3.10, Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950

Maharashtra Carrom Association v. Union of India, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2801556