Delhi HC Halts IOA Panel’s Move To Form New Ski & Snowboard Body

skiing and snowboarding

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim stay on the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) ad-hoc committee, restraining it from moving ahead with plans to establish a new national sports association for skiing and snowboarding.

Justice Sachin Datta, presiding over the matter, noted that the committee’s attempt to create a new entity appeared to exceed its lawful powers. The court ordered a halt to all related actions until the next hearing, scheduled for July 8.

SSI Fights Back Against IOA’s Committee

The court was hearing a petition filed by Ski and Snowboard India (SSI), which contested a notice dated May 6, issued by the IOA-appointed ad-hoc committee. The notice had called upon state-level affiliates to participate in the “First General Meeting for Registration and Election of the New National Sports Association (NSA) for Ski and Snowboard India.”

SSI argued that this move was not only unauthorized but also an overreach of the IOA’s constitutional limits.

Court Questions IOA’s Authority

In its order dated May 23, the High Court asked the IOA to clarify whether any provision in its constitution permitted the formation of a new sports body through an ad-hoc committee. It also requested formal responses from the Central Government and the IOA.

Justice Datta Remarked

“In the present case, not only has an ‘Ad-hoc Committee’ been constituted, the said Committee is seeking to create a ‘new NSA’ out of the petitioner. Prima facie, this is way beyond the scope of authority of the IOA.”

The judge further instructed, “In the circumstances, till the next date of hearing, the Ad-hoc Committee constituted vide office order 13.10.2023, shall refrain from taking any steps pursuant to the aforesaid letter/notice dated 06.05.2025.”

Allegations

The court emphasized that appointing an ad-hoc body to oversee SSI’s operations does not grant it the right to alter its legal status or foundational character. It noted that the committee’s attempts to restructure the organization were not covered by the authority granted in the October 13, 2023 order.

SSI, represented by advocate Neha Singh, contended that the ad-hoc committee was set up without any prior notice, hearing, or opportunity to respond — a clear breach of natural justice and the National Sports Code. The petition stated that no show-cause notice was issued, and the IOA president acted without consulting the Executive Committee, as required under the IOA’s constitution.

With the matter now under judicial scrutiny, the court has temporarily frozen the committee’s activities. All eyes are on the next hearing on July 8, when the IOA and the Centre are expected to submit their responses.