The Delhi High Court has modified an earlier order governing the functioning of the All India Tennis Association (AITA) and laid down a detailed schedule for amending its constitution and conducting fresh elections by September 2026.
A Division Bench of Justice Tejas Karia and Justice Madhu Jain passed the order while hearing cross-appeals filed by the AITA and former tennis player Somdev Kishore Devvarman concerning the administration and governance of the national tennis body.
Background of the Case
The dispute traces its roots to a writ petition challenging the manner in which AITA elections were conducted in September 2024. The petition alleged violations of the National Sports Development Code and sought judicial intervention to ensure compliance with governance norms applicable to national sports federations.
A Single Judge had earlier directed the opening of sealed election results, recognised the elected executive committee as an interim body, and appointed former Chief Justice Gita Mittal as Administrator to oversee reforms and fresh elections.
Both sides challenged different parts of that judgment. While AITA questioned the extent of powers granted to the Administrator, Somdev Kishore Devvarman and another petitioner objected to the recognition of the elected executive committee.
Court Observations
During the hearing, the Bench took note of developments under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and the National Sports Governance Rules, 2026. The Court also considered communications from the Union Government and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), which stressed the need for AITA to align its constitution with the new legal framework within prescribed timelines.
The Bench observed that substantial legal questions arose in the appeals. However, rather than entering into the merits of the competing claims at this stage, the Court considered it appropriate to facilitate a workable solution that would ensure timely compliance with the new sports governance regime.
The Court recorded that both sides expressed willingness to move forward with constitutional reforms and fresh elections in the interest of the sport and its athletes.
Directions Issued by the Court
Under the modified arrangement, the Interim Executive Committee has been directed to submit its suggestions on the draft amendments proposed by the Administrator by 25 June 2026.
The Administrator has been asked to consider those suggestions, hear the committee, and finalise the proposed amendments by 15 July 2026.
The Court further directed that an Extraordinary General Meeting of AITA be convened on or before 31 July 2026 to deliberate upon and vote on the proposed amendments clause by clause. The voting decisions and reasons are to be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
Fresh elections to the AITA Executive Committee must then be conducted in accordance with the amended constitution, the Sports Act, and the Sports Governance Rules on or before 30 September 2026.
Decision
Disposing of the immediate controversy through interim directions, the Division Bench modified the Single Judge's order to the above extent and directed all parties to adhere strictly to the timelines fixed by the Court.
“The Impugned Judgment shall stand modified to the aforesaid extent,” the Bench stated while clarifying that any amendments approved by the General Body would remain subject to the final outcome of the pending appeals.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on 14 August 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: All India Tennis Association v. Somdev Kishore Devvarman & Ors. and connected matter Somdev Kishore Devvarman v. Union of India
Case Number: LPA 422/2026 and LPA 447/2026
Judges: Justice Tejas Karia and Justice Madhu Jain
Decision Date: 18 June 2026
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