The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, issued notice on a petition challenging the failure of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) to hold elections despite the expiry of the elected body’s tenure.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana issued notice in a Special Leave Petition. The petitioners have questioned the continuation of the existing office-bearers on the ground that the association has not conducted elections even though their prescribed tenure has expired. The elections were originally due in October 2025. Senior Advocate Atmaram Nadkarni appeared for the petitioner.
The controversy arose after the OCA deferred its elections, citing uncertainty over the applicability of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The association had relied on the position that elections could be postponed under the new sports governance framework.
Before the Supreme Court, it was argued that cricket has not been notified as a ‘designated sport’ under the Act. After hearing the submissions, the Supreme Court has now issued notice in the matter.