India Taekwondo v. Union of India and Others
Case brief
What is this about?
NSF recognition and de-recognition Taekwondo; National Sports Development Code 2011 Paragraphs 8.1-8.3, 8.5 and Annexure III; no automatic withdrawal or de-recognition of NSF on non-renewal of annual recognition; show cause notice and opportunity of hearing mandatory before withdrawal (natural justice in administrative action); 'World Taekwondo' affiliation as condition of recognition; Union of India recognition letter dated 08.05.2025 set aside and modified; Taekwondo Federation of India (Respondent No. 1); India Taekwondo (appellant LPA 776/2025); interim arrangement that neither federation acts as NSF pending fresh decision within six weeks; ASG argued adverse impact on Indian athletes' participation in Asian Games 2026; LPA Delhi High Court 2026; no order as to costs.
What did the court decide?
Both appeals and pending applications disposed of; Impugned Judgment modified — Union of India to issue a show cause notice to Respondent No. 1 within five days (copy to Respondent No. 2), reply and sequential submissions within three-day intervals, and a reasoned decision on NSF recognition within six weeks after hearing both Respondents; until that decision neither Respondent No. 1 nor Respondent No. 2 to act as NSF; both at liberty to communicate with 'World Taekwondo' for affiliation/recognition; no order as to costs.