However, NRAI will hold elections on Saturday as the matter is pending in the Delhi High Court and the next date of hearing is in December.
Just a day ahead of the National Rifle Association of India’s (NRAI) elections in Mohali, the sports ministry has directed the shooting body to take action against presidential candidate Shyam Singh Yadav citing “apparent conflict of interest” in the appointment of the returning officer. After that start the process afresh. to poll.
However, NRAI will hold elections on Saturday as the matter is pending in the Delhi High Court and the next date of hearing is in December. The current president Raninder Singh is seeking re-election and is being challenged by Mr. Yadav.
In view of the order of the Ministry, the election is set to be declared null and void.
Acting on a petition filed by Yadav, president of the Uttar Pradesh State Rifle Association, the ministry ordered that the returning officer should be changed to ensure that the National Sports Code, 2011 is not violated.
Mr Yadav is the BSP’s Lok Sabha MP from Jaunpur constituency in UP, while Singh, who is serving his third term at the top post, is the son of Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.
The returning officer for the election is Justice (Retd) Mehtab Singh Gill, whose appointment, the petitioner alleged, was not done in a fair manner.
“… it has also been argued by the petitioner that the Returning Officer was appointed as the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVC) of the State of Punjab under the Punjab State Vigilance Commission Act; the Ministry said in the letter, “… And that name for the said post has been recommended by a three-member committee headed by a close relative of the present Chairman of NRAI.” PTI.
“A clear conflict of interest arising out of the personal and professional relationship imposed by the petitioner between the RO and the concerned stakeholders has been prepared…
“Therefore, NRAI is directed to appoint a new Returning Officer and initiate a fresh election process to conduct the elections to its Governing Body in a fair, objective and transparent manner by complying with the provisions of the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 ”, the letter added.
The ministry also took note of the objections raised by Mr. Yadav regarding Singh’s tenure, but found that the incumbent has a valid claim in re-election.
According to the Sports Code, “The President of any recognized NSF, including the IOA, may hold office for a maximum period of 12 years, with or without break.” Technically speaking, Singh remains a valid candidate as he will complete 12 years in the position at the end of 2022.
“The petitioner has raised the issue of seeking re-election of the present Chairman of NRAI as Chairman for the fourth term and whereas this Ministry provides letter No. 52-66/2009 SP-I (Vol. II) dated 30.10.2017 That he is serving his third term as the Chairman of NRAI for 2017-2021,” the ministry said.
Singh had earlier defeated Mr. Yadav for the post of President of NRAI in 2010 and 2017 elections.
.