Dispute Arises in Indian Golf Union Election Regarding Returning Officer Appointment
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New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) The former Judge of the Allahabad High Court, tasked with the role of Returning Officer for the upcoming Indian Golf Union (IGU) election set for December 15, has categorically denied rumors of his resignation, labeling it as the result of a mischievous mind.
A letter circulated in the media on Wednesday stated that Former Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court, Permod Kohli, had been designated as the Returning Officer (RO) for the IGU elections following the alleged resignation of Justice O P Garg.
According to the letter, IGU President Brijinder Singh was quoted as saying, “By virtue of the powers conferred upon me under the National Sports Development Code 2011 and with the majority approval from the IGU Governing Council, I have appointed Justice (Retd) Permod Kohli as the Returning Officer for the IGU elections on December 15, 2024.”
In response, Justice Garg rejected these claims, stating, “The news regarding my resignation is completely false and stems from a mischievous mind.”
He added, “I came across reports claiming that Justice Kohli, a retired Chief Justice, has been appointed as Returning Officer for the upcoming IGU elections because I 'have resigned'. This statement is entirely false. I have been duly appointed and have been executing my responsibilities as the RO for the elections scheduled on December 15, 2024.”
Justice Garg expressed his surprise upon learning that Justice R. Mullik was appointed as RO due to Justice Kohli's supposed resignation. He described these developments as “shocking, unfair, legally outrageous, and wholly untenable.”
Furthermore, he criticized the IGU's leadership for not adhering to the guidance issued by the Indian Olympic Association, which has affirmed that he remains the sole RO tasked with overseeing the IGU elections. He advised those involved not to interfere with the electoral process and to refrain from any actions that could compromise his legal obligations.
Justice Garg emphasized that he has communicated with all 31 State Golf Associations to eliminate any misconceptions regarding his position as RO. “From the very beginning of the election process, I remain the RO and will do so until the results are announced. The President or any other party lacks the legal authority to issue orders or directives while I am in this role. This is not merely my assertion; it is a matter of law,” he stated.
He concluded by asserting, “Numerous legal precedents from the Supreme Court and High Courts affirm that once the election process begins, no individual or entity, regardless of their status, can interfere with it; the authority of the Returning Officer is paramount.”
