The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Mini Pushkarna, has allowed the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) to conduct its elections on August 21, subject to the outcome of pending legal proceedings concerning the matter. During the hearing, the court addressed petitions filed by the Himachal Pradesh Boxing Association, Madhya Pradesh Amateur Boxing Association, and Gujarat Boxing Association, which have challenged the BFI interim committee’s decision to hold elections and raised objections regarding the validity of the newly adopted constitution.
Justice Pushkarna clarified that while the polls may proceed, the results and their legitimacy will depend on the final adjudication of the writ petition, and any irregularities or legal violations that come to light will be duly considered by the court for appropriate orders. The court specifically noted that neither the new constitution nor actions in contravention of the National Sports Code or established regulatory norms would receive judicial approval, and warned that any breach of legal requirements could invite judicial intervention. The hearing has been scheduled for further consideration on September 23, providing the parties an opportunity to present a comprehensive case.
The court had previously directed the BFI to state its position on a plea moved by the Delhi Amateur Boxing Federation seeking a stay on the circular announcing the upcoming elections. The state associations have called upon the court to quash measures taken by the respondent authorities with respect to the conduct of the BFI elections, alleging that the adoption of a new constitution on May 18, as well as the issuance of the election notice dated July 31, were ultra vires and that the appointment of the returning officer was made unilaterally.
The earlier BFI administration’s tenure concluded on February 2, and although elections were initially scheduled for March 28, they were postponed amid ongoing legal disputes, including appeals and counter-appeals. The original returning officer, former Delhi High Court judge R K Gauba, resigned from his role, citing an adverse campaign against him.
In April, World Boxing, the international governing body for the sport, instituted the interim committee to oversee Indian boxing’s affairs and established a deadline of August 31 for conducting the elections, which prompted the present legal contest and the current judicial directions.
