J&K HC concerned over non-implementation of national sports code
According to the petitioner, some office bearers have 'hijacked' most sports associations despite not being eligible
A Division Bench of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh expressed its “deep displeasure” over the non-implementation of National Development Sports Code of India, 2011, and guidelines of J&K Sports Council in sports associations.
The Bench comprising J&K Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal expressed displeasure over non-filing of response by the Chief Secretary and Secretary, Youth Services and Sports; the Badminton Association of India and J&K Badminton Association.
“Despite repeated opportunities, respondent numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 have failed to submit response,” the Bench said.
The Bench was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Bakhtawar Singh.
According to the petitioner, some office bearers have allegedly “hijacked” most sports associations despite not being eligible, monopolising the said associations for their personal gains.
The petitioner’s counsel, SS Ahmed, Supriya Chouhan and M Zulkarnain Chowdhary, submitted that the orders of the Division Bench were being taken “casually”.
The counsel pointed out that in a conditional order on November 10, 2025, the Bench had categorically observed that the right to file a response shall stand forfeited if there is a default in the response filing.
Ahmed submitted that there is “complete mess” in the sports associations in J&K as most office bearers have crossed the age of 70 years, some are politicians and some government officials who have not obtained no-objection certificates from the authorities concerned.
Deputy Advocate General Dewakar Sharma, appearing on behalf of Secretary, sought a short adjournment to submit response. Advocate Ajay Sharma vice advocate Ankush Manhas sought time on behalf of the J&K Badminton Association and advocate Amjad Maqbool, appearing virtually, sought time on behalf of the Badminton Association of India.
The Bench granted “last opportunity” for the respondents to file a reply by the next date of hearing. The matter is now listed for December 30.
