Retired Punjab & Haryana HC judge Rameshwar Singh Malik to remain Returning Officer for IGU polls as Delhi HC rejects Bengal Golf Association appeal for his removal

Khel Today Bureau

New Delhi: Justice Rameshwar Singh Malik will continue to be the Returning Officer for the Indian Golf Union (IGU) elections, scheduled to be held on December 15 (Sunday), as the honourable Delhi High Court dismissed Bengal Golf Association’s appeal for his removal late on Tuesday.

The Delhi High Court refused to quash the letter of Justice Malik’s appointment as Returning Officer issued by IGU President Brijinder Singh following the resignations of former Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court Permod Kohli and ex-judge of the Allahabad High Court – Justice O P Garg.

The Bengal Golf Association had approached the Honourable Delhi High Court, essentially seeking the following: 1. Declaring communication dated 05.12.2024 sent by the President (IGU), appointing Respondent No. 5 [Justice (Retd.) Rameswar Singh Malik] as the Returning Officer as null and void, in light of Respondent No. 4 [Justice (Retd.) O.P Garg] already being appointed. 2. Restraining Respondent No. 2 (President IGU) to modify, alter and in any manner interfere with the electoral college.

The Petitioner made the following parties as the Respondents in the said matter: 1. Union of India 2. Indian Golf Union (Through its President) 3. Indian Olympic Association 4. Justice (Retd.) O.P. Garg 5. Justice (Retd.) Rameshwar Singh Malik

Delhi High Court after hearing the parties at length passed a detailed Judgment/ Order dated 10.12.2024. The Honourable High Court in para 8 records that the Petitioner seeks quashing of the orders of the President, IGU, appointing returning officer and exclusion of Bengal Golf Association from the electoral list.

Delhi High Court, after hearing the parties, refused to interfere with the election process. The honourable High Court acknowledging the election schedule issued by Justice (Retd) Rameshwar Singh Malik (Respondent No.5), held that the poll is scheduled to be held in 5 days and any controversy can be raised in challenge to the election results, rather than during the process.

The honourable High Court held that it was not inclined to interfere with the decision of disqualification of the Bengal Golf Association and other associations (by the President, IGU), at the stage of election process. The honourable High Court held that the rights of the Petitioner or any other party, to challenge the election will remain open.

The prayers of the Petitioner which included quashing of order of the President appointing Justice (Retd.) Rameshwar Singh Malik as the Returning officer as well as quashing of the list (of the President) which excluded the Petitioner (Bengal Golf Association), was not granted by the honourable Delhi High Court.

It is pertinent to point out the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was duly represented through its counsel during the hearing. IOA is aware of the present order.