The Supreme Court of India reaffirms the ‘One-State-One-Unit’ principle, dismissing the Vidarbha Hockey Association’s plea for membership in Hockey India and the Indian Olympic Association.

Supreme Court Upholds ‘One-State-One-Unit’ Rule in Vidarbha Hockey Association Case

In a significant decision, the Supreme Court of India has reaffirmed the ‘One-State-One-Unit’ policy by rejecting the plea of the Vidarbha Hockey Association for recognition as an associate member of both Hockey India and the Indian Olympic Association.

The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Dipankar Datta, heard brief arguments before allowing the petitioner to withdraw the case.

Court Emphasizes Olympic Sport Governance Norms

The apex court reiterated, “Hockey is an Olympic sport, and under the rules of the Indian Olympic Association, only one body per state can be recognized.”

The petitioner sought a writ directing Hockey India and the Indian Olympic Association to restore its associate membership, which was initially granted in 2013. However, the bench questioned the legal basis for such intervention under its writ jurisdiction.

Membership Cancellation Deemed in Line With IOA Regulations

Previously, the Bombay High Court upheld the decision to cancel the Vidarbha Hockey Association’s membership. The petitioner’s lawyer argued the removal was “arbitrary,” noting that Delhi had over 20 associate members. But the court noted that the Indian Olympic Association’s policy permits only one recognized unit per state.

Justice Datta pointed out that examples given by the petitioner — such as the “Cricket Association” and “Kabaddi Federation” — were irrelevant since neither is an Olympic sport. He stressed that both the petitioner and the Mumbai Hockey Association were de-registered for the same reason: duplicity of representation for Maharashtra.

Supreme Court Questions Timing and Urgency of Petition

Justice Kant questioned the timing of the petition, which came nearly a year after the original order in June 2024. “You are submitting SLP in May 2025 and pushing for listing during vacation. What urgent development occurred in the last few days?” he asked. The bench criticized the last-minute listing requests that caused additional workload during partial Court sessions.

High Court Proceedings Not Properly Utilized

Justice Datta further asked whether the petitioner had submitted an affidavit regarding the matter in the High Court. Upon the counsel’s negative reply, the judge remarked, “Then that’s the end of the matter… You should have raised it in the High Court, not here for the first time.”

Case Withdrawn and Dismissed

Ultimately, the court permitted the withdrawal of the case, effectively dismissing it. The decision reinforces the regulatory authority of Hockey India and the Indian Olympic Association under the ‘One-State-One-Unit’ framework, ensuring clarity and consistency in sports governance across India.

Conclusion: A Strong Message for Sports Governance in India

The Supreme Court’s firm dismissal of the Vidarbha Hockey Association’s plea sends a clear message reinforcing the integrity of sports governance in India. By upholding the ‘One-State-One-Unit’ principle, the judgment ensures uniformity and avoids administrative confusion within national sports federations like Hockey India and the Indian Olympic Association. This landmark ruling not only affirms the legal standing of the Olympic sports framework but also discourages fragmented regional representation that could disrupt national unity in Indian sports administration.