Court Orders Inquiry into Allegations Against Top Officials of Table Tennis Federation of India
In a landmark judgment delivered on May 11, 2026, the Delhi High Court quashed the suspension of Kamlesh Mehta, the Secretary General of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), declaring the order invalid due to non-compliance with principles of natural justice. The court also appointed Hon'ble Mr. Justice (Retd.) Krishna Murari as the Enquiry Authority to investigate the allegations against top officials of TTFI, including financial impropriety, favoritism, and conflict of interest.
Kamlesh Mehta, a veteran table tennis player who represented India in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, was declared persona non grata and suspended by TTFI's Executive Committee on January 28, 2026, pending an inquiry. The suspension was challenged on grounds of being contrary to the principles of natural justice, as no opportunity for hearing was provided to Mehta before the suspension.
The Delhi High Court, presided by Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, held that the principles of natural justice must be read into Clause 11(d) of the Memorandum of Association of TTFI. The court emphasized that the suspension of an elected office bearer not only affects the individual but also the constituents they represent, making adherence to natural justice essential.
The judgment highlighted the importance of procedural fairness and transparency in the functioning of National Sports Federations (NSF). Allegations against Mehta included unauthorized financial transactions, favoritism, and conflict of interest, while accusations against the TTFI President Meghna Ahlawat involved procedural irregularities and non-cooperation.
With the quashing of the suspension, the court ordered the appointment of Justice Krishna Murari as the Enquiry Authority to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the functioning of TTFI. This inquiry aims to ensure accountability and adherence to the rule of law within the federation.
Bottom line:-
Principles of natural justice must be read into Clause 11(d) of the Memorandum of Association of a National Sports Federation (NSF). Suspension of an elected office bearer without adherence to principles of natural justice is unsustainable.
Statutory provision(s): Clause 11(d) of the Memorandum of Association of Table Tennis Federation of India, Principles of Natural Justice
Kamlesh Mehta v. Table Tennis Federation of India, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc id # 2896039
