The ongoing tension in Indian tennis took a new turn as the All India Tennis Association (AITA) filed an application in the Delhi High Court, requesting the unsealing of the results from its recent elections. The elections, which had faced legal challenges, were put on hold after a writ petition was filed by prominent Davis Cuppers Somdev Devvarman and Purav Raja, who alleged violations of the National Sports Code.
AITA responds to petition
The controversy began when Devvarman and Raja sought to delay the elections, citing breaches in the National Sports Code. Despite the petition, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav allowed the polls to proceed but instructed that the results be kept confidential in a sealed envelope until the court reviewed them. The results were filed by the returning officer as per the court’s direction.
“AITA has now submitted an application to open the sealed envelope,” said Ashish Prasad, advocate for the AITA, in a statement to TOI. He further explained, “Two weeks’ time has been given for all parties to file their response. The next hearing is scheduled for November 25.”
AITA Hopes for New Sports Code
Amid the ongoing legal dispute, AITA has voiced its preference for the new draft sports code, recently released by the Union government, to be implemented before any further decisions are made by the court. Prasad shared AITA’s position: “We would prefer the new bill to come into play. Until then, the current office-bearers would continue. I don’t think the court would want the case to go into limbo.”
Prasad added that AITA agrees with the petitioners’ call for better governance. “We are on the same page when it comes to what they (petitioners) are asking for—good administration and compliance with the sports code. My advice has always been to abide by the law.”
Looking for Common Ground
While both sides prepare for the upcoming hearing, the possibility of resolving the matter amicably remains uncertain. When asked if any negotiations had taken place, Prasad remained diplomatic: “My advice is to talk and look for common ground.”
With the court set to review the case in November, the drama in Indian tennis continues to unfold, leaving the future of AITA’s governance and the election results hanging in the balance.
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