The Supreme Court dismissed the Tamil Nadu Football Association’s petition against the panel’s appointment by the authority of the All India Football Federation (AIFF).The Supreme Court also directed a penalty to be deposited with the Supreme Court Middle Income Group Legal Aid Services, specifying that the association’s office-bearers cannot use association funds for reimbursement.
New Delhi: On February 12, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Football Association challenging the appointment of an administrative committee. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan, mentioned that the petition abused the legal process and levied a penalty of Rs 50,000 on the Tamil Nadu Football Association’s committee.
The Supreme Court imposed a penalty to be deposited with the Supreme Court Middle Income Group Legal Aid Services. The association’s office-bearers are prohibited from reimbursing the penalty from association funds.
The decision comes in response to an appeal lodged by the Tamil Nadu Football Association and its office bearers contesting the September 20, 2023 directive of the High Court. The High Court had established an administrative committee headed by retired judge Justice A. K. Rajan (Retd) along with four other members. The administrative committee is directed to oversee the association until the election and approval of a new administrative committee by the Supreme Court.
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The court also imposed a fine on the Tamil Nadu Football Association for what it considered frivolous litigation.
The Tamil Nadu Football Association had raised questions over the formation of the committee, arguing that it was constituted without proper authority and could effect the association’s autonomy. However, the Supreme Court, in its order, emphasized the need for transparent and efficient administration in sports organizations, thereby rejecting the plea.
