In a significant ruling affecting the administration of carrom in the country, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the All India Carrom Federation (AICF) to remove the word “India” from its name, logo, and other materials. The court made it clear that since the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has not renewed its recognition, the federation presently functions only as a private body.
Background
The petitions were filed by the Maharashtra Carrom Association, the Union Territory Pondicherry Carrom Association, and a player named Ravi Kumar, seeking to quash the AICF elections and restrain it from using the word “India” in its title. During the proceedings, the Union of India produced a letter dated December 17, 2024, stating that the government has not recognized any federation for the sport of carrom.
According to the Ministry’s affidavit, AICF’s recognition was not renewed because it violated the “one state, one unit” rule under the National Sports Code. The Ministry also emphasized that under Clause 3.6(ii) of the Sports Code, no body can use the expressions “India” or “Indian” without prior approval from the government.
Court’s Observations
Justice Mini Pushkarna, who heard the matter, noted that the Union of India’s stance was unambiguous - the AICF is not a recognized national sports federation. “As per the government’s position, the status of AICF is that of a private entity,” the judge observed during the hearing.
The court also referred to AICF’s submission that it sends teams to represent the country at international carrom tournaments. However, Justice Pushkarna pointed out that such representation cannot be made in the name of India without formal recognition. “Since the AICF is currently unrecognized, it cannot project its teams as the official Indian teams,” she said.
Decision
The High Court directed AICF to immediately change its name and stop using the expressions “India” or “Indian” in any form - including logos, letterheads, and event titles. The bench, however, allowed a limited concession: the federation may use the phrase “Team from India” to indicate geographic origin but not government endorsement.
Further, the court granted AICF liberty to apply again for recognition with the Union government, subject to full compliance with the National Sports Code. “If the Ministry is satisfied with the compliances, it may consider granting recognition in accordance with law,” Justice Pushkarna stated.
On the matter of AICF’s recent elections, the court declined to intervene, citing the government’s clear position that AICF is not a recognized national body.
With these directions, the batch of petitions was disposed of, and the next scheduled hearing date - November 21, 2025 - was cancelled.
Case: Maharashtra Carrom Association & Ors. vs Union of India & Anr.
Court: High Court of Delhi at New Delhi
Coram: Hon’ble Ms. Justice Mini Pushkarna
Petitioners: Maharashtra Carrom Association, Union Territory Pondicherry Carrom Association, and Ravi Kumar
Respondents: Union of India (Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports) and All India Carrom Federation (AICF)
Date of order: October 29, 2025
