Kerala HC clarifies order on Kerala Hockey recognition suspension

• The Kerala High Court clarified its April 1 judgment suspending the recognition of Kerala Hockey.
• The clarification allows for the selection of players to participate in national events under the banner of Kerala Hockey.
• A technical committee will select players and forward their names to Hockey India through this arrangement.
• Kerala Hockey remains affiliated with Hockey India despite its suspended recognition.

We clarify that, the suspension of recognition of Kerala Hockey as ordered in paragraph 28 of the impugned judgment shall not affect its right to select persons and send the names to Hockey India, but such selection and forwarding of names shall be done only by the technical committee as ordered in the judgment.

The Kerala High Court recently clarified its April 1 judgment suspending the recognition of Kerala Hockey. The clarification came in response to review petitions filed by Hockey India and Kerala Hockey against the earlier judgment. A Division Bench of Justice Sathish Ninan and Justice P Krishna Kumar issued the clarification, which allows for the selection of players to participate in national events under the banner of Kerala Hockey. However, this selection must be done by a technical committee constituted under the Court's earlier judgment. The names of selected players will then be forwarded to Hockey India through this committee.

The April 1 judgment was delivered on a batch of appeals concerning the governance of Kerala Hockey. The Court had suspended the recognition of Kerala Hockey, but declined to review its earlier findings except for clarifying the selection and forwarding of players. This clarification is significant as it allows Kerala Hockey to continue participating in national events under certain conditions. The technical committee will play a crucial role in selecting players and forwarding their names to Hockey India. This arrangement ensures that Kerala Hockey remains affiliated with Hockey India, despite its suspended recognition.

The clarification issued by the Kerala High Court has important implications for lawyers advising sports organizations in Kerala. The order allows for the selection of players to participate in national events under the banner of Kerala Hockey, but with certain conditions. This means that Kerala Hockey can continue to function and select players, albeit through a technical committee. The arrangement also underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in sports governance, particularly in cases where recognition is suspended. As the Court's clarification demonstrates, even in situations of suspended recognition, there are ways for affiliated bodies to continue participating in national events.

Lawyers advising sports organizations in Kerala should note that the Kerala HC's clarification allows for the selection of players to participate in national events, but under the banner of Kerala Hockey, and with names forwarded to Hockey India through a technical committee.

Source: Original reporting via The Hindu