The Delhi High Court in the case Rahul Mehra v. Union Of India observed and has appointed the Supreme Court retired judge, Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri as the Administrator to oversee utilization of funds in the upcoming ISSF Shooting World Cup, 2023. The ISSF World Cup (Rifle/Pistol) is scheduled to be held in March in Bhopal. The division bench comprising of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad in the case observed and has stated that the prestige of country will be affected if there being any impediment in organizing the World Cup event as the same would require funding from the Central Government. It has been stated by the court that the assistance can also be taken by the administrator for taking assistance of any sportsperson of his choice, who has been a national or being an international shooter for assisting him in the said matter. The court stated that the Administrator shall be free for fixing his remuneration commensurate to the work and the same will be paid by the Union of India. Thus, the funds which are being released must get the concurrence of the Administrator. A report has been sought by the bench and the report is to be furnished in a sealed cover after the conclusion of the event.. In the present case, the court was hearing National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), wherein seeking vacation or modification of the orders being passed last year in a petition moved by Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra, against the decision which is being taken by the Centre after giving the recognition to various National Sports Federations. The plea was filed before the court for seeking direction on the Central Government to grant recognition to National Sports Federations only after they are complying with National Sports Code, 2011. Last year, the coordinate bench directed the Centre for ensuring that monies, patronage and other facilities to National Sports Federations which is to be resumed only when they comply with the various judicial orders and National Sports Code. In its application, it has been sought by NRAI the vacation or modification of the order wherein stating that it is being affected for the smooth functioning of the National Sports Federations as the entire working capital has come up to a standstill. Further, it has also been submitted before the court that stoppage of funds would be affected hosting of the World Cup and that the Association is being dependent on the government for conduct of international events in the country which includes the training of the shooters and their participation in international events. It has also been objected by the Mehra to the application stating that the Association which ought not to have come to the court at the last minute and that granting of any latitude would result in further application which is being filed by other Sport Federations which are in violation of the Sports Code.. The bench noted that Mehra’s proposal was not opposed by the ASG and NRAI, while calling the suggestion “a fair solution”. The court stated that Hon’ble Mr. Justice (Retd.) Arjan Kumar Sikri, the Former Judge Supreme Court of India, is being appointed as an Administrator to oversee the utilization of funds in the World Cup event that is being held in March, 2023 in India. Accordingly, the court disposed of the application.
