K’taka HC Stays BAI Circulars, Clears Path for Grand Prix Badminton League Participation

The Karnataka High Court recently stayed circulars released by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), cautioning badminton players, coaches, and technical staff who are registered with the association against participating in tournaments that the BAI does not recognize.

A single bench of Justice Krishna S Dixit also prohibited the BAI from taking any coercive measures based on these circulars, thus permitting the players, coaches, and staff to take part in the upcoming Grand Prix Badminton League.

The High Court’s decision was made during the hearing of a plea presented by the organizers of the Grand Prix Badminton League, challenging two circulars released by the BAI in April and July.

These circulars stated that players, coaches, and staff could not participate in tournaments that lacked recognition from the BAI without prior approval, and non-compliance with these circulars would subject the violators to action as per the BAI’s rules.

The Grand Prix Badminton League holds a license from the Karnataka Badminton Association, and its second season, set to commence on August 27, had garnered over 450 registrations. However, the BAI’s circulars raised doubts among many players, causing skepticism about their participation in the league.

As per the organizers, they made several attempts to seek clarification on the league’s status from the BAI but received no response. Given the limited time available, with just one month until the league’s start date, they decided to approach the Karnataka High Court seeking resolution.

The Court, drawing on a previous ruling by the Delhi High Court in the case of M/s Sara Foundation (Regd.) v. Union of India, granted interim protection by staying the circulars. Consequently, the players, coaches, and technical staff associated with the league are safeguarded from facing coercive actions based on the BAI’s circulars.