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2026 Supreme(Online)(Ker) 28671
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM
P. KRISHNA KUMAR, J
Kerala Hockey – Appellant
Versus
State of Kerala – Respondent
WP(C) NO. 15374 OF 2026
For the Appellants/Petitioners: SRI.P.MOHANDAS (ERNAKULAM), SRI.K.SUDHINKUMAR, SRI.SABU PULLAN, SHRI.R.BHASKARA KRISHNAN, SHRI.BHARATH MOHAN, DR.K.P.SATHEESAN (SR.)
For the Respondents: SMT.LATHA ANAND SR. GP, SRI. S. KANNAN
Permission to hold elections despite recognition suspension, per prior Division Bench directions; legality deferred.
Headnote:First Paragraph: The writ petition seeks mandamus directing appointment of an observer for Kerala Hockey elections and expeditious action on representation under sports governance norms. Facts involve suspension of recognition leading to rejection of observer request. Court noted rejection order and prior Division Bench directions in connected appeals. Second Paragraph: Key issue framed as effect of recognition suspension on election observer appointment. Ratio clarifies permission to proceed with elections per paragraph 29 of Division Bench judgment in W.A. No. 3001/2025, with legality to be considered later. Last Paragraph: Writ petition disposed permitting election proceedings.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. reliefs sought for election observer. (Para 1) |
| 2. observer request rejected due to suspension. (Para 2) |
| 3. permitted to proceed with election; petition disposed. (Para 3) |
JUDGMENT
The reliefs sought for in this writ petition are as follows:
“i) to issue a Writ of Mandamus or order or direction to the 2nd respondent to appoint an observer for overseeing the election scheduled to be held on 25-04-2026 to the Kerala Hockey;
ii) to issue a Writ of Mandamus or order or direction to the 2nd respondent to consider and take appropriate action on Exhibit- P4 as expeditiously as possible and at any rate within a time limit that may be fixed by this Hon’ble Court;
iii) to issue such other appropriate Writ, Order or direction as is deemed just and necessary in the circumstances of the case. iv) It is humbly prayed that this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to dispense with filing of the translation of vernacular documents.”
2. During the course of hearing, the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the 2nd respondent handed over a copy of the order dated 22.04.2026, whereby the request made by the petitioner for appointment of an observer for the election was rejected on the ground that the recognition of Kerala Hockey had been suspended. The submission is recorded.
3. In view of the above order, nothing survives in this writ petition. However, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner may be permitted to proceed with the election in the light of paragraph 29 of the Division Bench judgment of this Court in W.A. No. 3001/2025 and connected cases.
In view of the specific directions in the Division Bench judgment of this Court, it is clarified that the petitioner can proceed with the election. The legality of the election is to be considered later.
The writ petition is disposed of as above.
