Carrom Federation Barred From Using the Expression ‘India’ or ‘Indian’

The Delhi High Court recently restrained the All India Carrom Federation (AICF) from using the expression “India” or “Indian” in its name, logo, or in competitions conducted by it, noting that the federation was a private body.[1]

The present batch of writ petitions, inter alia, sought directions to quash the AICF election result. A direction was also sought to prevent the AICF from using the title “India” or “Indian”.

According to a letter from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports dated December 17, 2024, the Ministry has not yet recognised any federation for Carrom. Moreover, a perusal of the affidavit filed on behalf of the Union of India showed that the recognition of AICF had not been renewed primarily on the ground that the federation was not following the “one state one unit principle” as envisaged under Clause 3.10 of Annexure II of the National Sports Code.

In its decision dated October 29, 2025, the Court also took note of the stand of the Union of India that, as per Clause 3.6(ii) of the Sport Code, the expression “India” or “Indian” cannot be used without the prior approval of the government.

In light of the above, the Court found the AICF to be a private body. It directed the federation to change its name and not to use the terms “India” or “Indian” in any form, either in its name, logo, or in competitions it conducts.

However, the Court considered the AICF’s stance that it sends teams to various international sporting events and that it was the only entity to do so in respect of the sport of Carrom. In view of the same, the federation was granted permission to use the expression “Team from India” to indicate that the representation was from the country.

[1] Maharashtra Carrom Association v. Union of India and Anr. [WP(C) 12805/2023] and connected matters.