Somdev Devvarman Petitions Against AITA Alleging Sports Code Violation

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the All-India Tennis Association (AITA) on a petition filed by the tennis star, Somdev Devvarman, alleging flagrant violation of the directions passed by the Division Bench in various cases and violation of the Sports Code.

Although the court refused to stay the elections scheduled to be held on September 28, it warned the office bearers that violations would result in setting aside the election and appointing an independent ad hoc body in their place. The court further directed non-disclosure of the election results until the outcome of the petition.

The petitioners had complained of 18 patent violations, especially the lack of designated seats in the AITA Central Council/General Assembly. They further pointed out the absence of a proper provision for eminent sportspersons of ‘outstanding merit’ selected by athletes to represent them in the Central Council/General Assembly and the absence of reserved seats for athletes in the Executive Committee.

Somdev also posted on his Instagram handle about the association’s mismanagement and the need for an enabling atmosphere.