Orissa High Court Halts Hockey India Elections Amid Controversy

Orissa High Court Intervenes in Hockey India Elections

In a notable development for Hockey India, the Orissa High Court has temporarily suspended the upcoming elections for its executive committee. This decision also halts a show cause notice that aimed to change the status of the Hockey Association of Odisha from a 'Permanent Member' to an 'Associate Member'. The interim order was issued by Justice RK Pattanaik during a special session concerning a writ petition [W.P.(C) No. 36939 of 2026] filed by the Hockey Association of Odisha.

The court has put a stay on the show cause notice dated October 7, 2026, along with a subsequent notice and the election schedule that was approved in the 119th and 120th Executive Board Meetings of Hockey India. The next hearing is set for December 9, 2026.

Legal Arguments Presented in Court

During the proceedings, Senior Advocates P.K. Rath and R.P. Kar, representing the petitioner, contended that the issuance of the show cause notice and the related election process were entirely unlawful. Odisha's Advocate General, Pitambar Acharya, along with Additional Government Advocate B.P. Nayak, argued that the authority responsible for the notice lacked the legal power to act, as the tenure of the Hockey India Executive Committee had already expired on September 30, 2026.

The Advocate General highlighted that the notice aimed to demote the state body while the process of aligning district and state associations with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, was still ongoing. He emphasized the significant investments and long-term sponsorship agreements made by the State of Odisha, which has been a crucial supporter of Indian hockey on the global stage.

Court's Interim Relief Decision

Justice Pattanaik, while granting interim relief, stated, "Considering the plea of the petitioner and the arguments presented by the counsels for both sides, this Court is inclined to stay the show cause notice and the election schedule until the next hearing date."

The High Court has issued notices to the involved parties, including the Union of India and Hockey India, requiring them to respond within seven days via Speed Post. The court also instructed the registry to provide urgent certified copies of the order to all parties involved.