New Delhi, Oct 18: The Supreme Court has permitted the current executive committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) led by Kalyan Chaubey to continue till the end of its term in September next year.
The apex court, in its order dated October 15, also said that the AIFF need not adopt Article 23.3 of the draft constitution relating to requirement of SC nod for any amendment.
It, however, asked the national federation to adopt within three weeks Article 25.3 (c) and (d) which prohibited office-bearers from holding dual posts in the AIFF and state units.
Article 23.3 provides that any amendment to the AIFF constitution shall not be given effect to without leave of the SC. According to Article 25.3 (c) and (d), an office bearer in the Executive Committee of the AIFF cannot hold a position as an office bearer in a member/state association.
“In our judgment, we permitted the present executive to continue till the end of its term in order to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the already delay sporting events,” the SC said in its October 15 order after the AIFF sought clarification on the two contentious articles — Article 23.3, and Article 25.3 (c) and 25.3 (d).
“In the same line, and to subserve the same purpose, we direct AIFF to adopt Articles 25.3 (c) and (d) within three weeks from today. We are, therefore, of the opinion that these Articles shall be retained. Articles 25.3 (c) and 25.3 (d) will however come into effect after the present executive demits office,” said the SC bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi.
However, the SC clarified that “the said Articles, like many others would be subject to the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 and the subordinate legislation that may be framed thereunder.The National Sports Governance Act is expected to come into force in two months.
The SC, however, rejected the AIFF’s contention that prohibiting officials to hold dual posts would lead to unavailability of experienced personnel to man the national federation and member association. (PTI)
