Delhi HC orders inclusion of Delhi Chess Association representatives in AICF voter list
In a major setback for All India Chess Federation (AICF) President Sanjay Kapoor, the Delhi High Court ordered for the inclusion of Delhi Chess Association’s representatives in the chess body’s electoral college. Questions are being raised about Kapoor’s capacity to issue the college despite the term expiration of office-bearers.
“The Delhi High Court has ordered AICF to add Delhi Chess Association’s representatives to the electoral college… Now, representatives of Delhi Chess Association can vote in the AICF elections,” said Bharat Singh Chauhan, President, Delhi Chess Association.
The DCA has nominated its Vice President Ram Pratap Singh and Joint Secretary Dharmender to attend and vote at the AICF General Body meeting on March 10. Out of the 33 state and Union Territory affiliates, Kapoor omitted Delhi Chess Association and Madhya Pradesh from the electoral college.
Chauhan called the omission of DCA ‘deliberate’ and ‘malafide,’ stating that they duly submitted the names of delegates for voting in accordance with the regulations. Chess officials find it strange that Kapoor is issuing the election notice and approved the electoral college, given the expired term of office-bearers.
According to Antarip Roy, Secretary, Bengal Chess Association, the office-bearers’ three-year term ended on January 4, 2024. Roy highlighted past practice where the returning officer approved and issued the electoral college, questioning Kapoor’s current actions. Roy has written to the returning officers citing a court order directing AICF not to deny Bengal Chess Association’s participation rights.
