The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Jammu has expressed serious displeasure over the persistent failure of government authorities and sports organisations to file replies in a Public Interest Litigation alleging widespread violations of the National Development Sports Code of India, 2011 by sports associations functioning in the Union Territory.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal was hearing the PIL filed by former badminton players, which raises grave concerns about the alleged capture of sports bodies by ineligible office-bearers, particularly within the Jammu & Kashmir Badminton Association, in breach of statutory requirements and guidelines issued by the J&K Sports Council.

When the matter was taken up, Advocate S.S. Ahmed, appearing for the petitioners along with Advocates Supriya Chouhan and M. Zulkarnain Chowdhary, submitted that despite repeated directions, key respondents—including the Chief Secretary, the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government (Youth Services and Sports), the Badminton Association of India, and the J&K Badminton Association—had failed to place their responses on record. He pointed out that the Division Bench had earlier, by order dated November 10, 2025, categorically warned that non-filing of replies would lead to forfeiture of the right to respond, yet the direction was being treated casually.

Highlighting the gravity of the allegations, counsel submitted that several sports associations in J&K continue to be controlled by individuals who have crossed the prescribed age limits, while others include politicians and serving government officials who have not obtained mandatory No Objection Certificates. According to the petitioners, such violations have resulted in monopolisation of sports bodies for personal benefit, undermining transparency, fair governance, and the very spirit of the Sports Code.

Taking note of these submissions, the Division Bench recorded its dissatisfaction with the conduct of the respondents and observed that, “Despite repeated opportunities, respondent Nos. 1, 2, 4 and 5 have failed to submit response.” The Court remarked that the lack of diligence displayed by the authorities in a matter involving public interest and the administration of sports institutions was unacceptable.

At this stage, Deputy Advocate General Dewakar Sharma appeared on behalf of the Commissioner/Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, and sought a brief adjournment to file the reply. Advocate Ajay Sharma, representing the J&K Badminton Association, and Advocate Amjad Maqbool, appearing virtually for the Badminton Association of India, also requested time to submit their responses.

While clearly expressing its displeasure, the Bench granted what it described as a final or “last opportunity” to the respondents to file their replies by the next date of hearing, cautioning that any further default would invite appropriate orders.

The Court directed the Registry to list the matter again on December 30, 2025, for further consideration.

Case Title: Bakhtawar Singh & Ors. v. Union Territory of J&K