AITA Transition Under the National Sports Governance Act

On April 27, 2026, the Hon’ble Delhi High Court, in Anil Dhupar v. Chintan N. Parikh & Ors. [CONT.CAS (C) 1378/2025], directed that the results of the All India Tennis Association (AITA) elections held in September 2024, which had been kept in a sealed cover, be declared. The Court permitted the newly elected body to function as an interim arrangement to manage the day-to-day affairs of the federation while directing that fresh elections be conducted in accordance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 and the Sports Governance Rules, 2026.

The Court appointed former Chief Justice Gita Mittal as the Administrator to supervise the process of bringing AITA’s Constitution and bye-laws in conformity with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, oversee the conduct of fresh elections, and ensure compliance with the statutory framework. It further directed the interim Executive Committee headed by Chintan Parikh and Sunder Iyer to fully cooperate with her. The Court also observed that the existing Executive Committee was not compliant with the governance requirements prescribed under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 and, therefore, could not be entrusted with independently undertaking the constitutional reforms and election process envisaged under the new statutory regime.

Subsequent media reports indicate that the interim committee has come under scrutiny over allegations that it has failed to cooperate with the Administrator in carrying out the reforms mandated by the High Court. Reports further state that, although the interim committee initially accepted the Court’s directions, certain members subsequently challenged the April 27, 2026 judgment by filing an appeal.

It has further been reported that Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal, on June 17, 2026, addressed a letter to the interim committee as well as the State Tennis Associations, stating that the committee had failed to render the assistance required for bringing AITA’s Constitution and bye-laws in conformity with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

According to the reported contents of the letter, Justice Mittal had, on May 1, 2026, requested the interim committee to examine AITA’s existing constitutional framework and submit proposed amendments within one week. However, no response or suggestions were reportedly received from the committee.