Punjab and Haryana High Court Halts No-Confidence Motion Against BFI President

High Court Issues Stay on No-Confidence Motion

New Delhi [India], October 27: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) to suspend its General Body meeting set for October 28, which was intended to discuss a no-confidence motion against President Ajay Singh, until the next hearing date. Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya issued this interim order while addressing a petition from Singh, who is contesting the notice dated October 8 that called for the no-confidence motion and the General Body meeting. The court has scheduled a notice of motion for November 13 and has mandated that the meeting be paused in the interim.

Legal Arguments and Constitutional Issues

Singh, represented by Senior Advocate Chetan Mittal and other legal counsel, argued that the proposed actions contradict the BFI's constitution. The petitioner claims that the federation's rules stipulate that the president can only be removed through a no-confidence motion that is backed by at least three-fourths of the General Body members during a specially convened meeting. Furthermore, it was asserted that only the president or two-thirds of the Executive Committee members can call for a Special General Meeting.

Disputes Within the Federation

The petition alleges that the Secretary General of the federation improperly issued the October 8 notice for the no-confidence motion and the meeting, violating established protocols. Singh contended that this action was a response to measures he had taken against the Secretary General. He also expressed concerns that these developments could negatively impact the future of athletes competing in both national and international competitions.

Support from Prominent Figures and Previous Actions

This situation arises after a coalition of Olympians, Arjuna Awardees, Dronacharya Awardees, notable coaches, former international boxers, and senior sports figures publicly supported BFI Secretary General Pramod Kumar, voicing worries about the federation's leadership and future under President Ajay Singh. Earlier this month, the BFI had placed Pramod Kumar on interim suspension, effective immediately, while investigating allegations of procedural breaches, lack of official oversight, and administrative overreach.