Investigation of All India Chess Federation Can Go Forward

AICF'S argument for its brow-beating practices toward chessplayers who compete in events put on by organizations (sponsors and organizers, it appears) other than AICF is that AICF is the only authorized chess federation by the Indian government and therefore it can do whatever it wants!  Guess we'll see about that.

From zeenews.india.com
Court refuses to stay probe against chess federation
Last Updated: Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 22:12

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday refused to impose a stay on its earlier order asking the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to probe allegations that the All India Chess Federation (AICF) was abusing its dominant position by banning players who took part in tournaments organised by other sports associations.

Disposing off the plea of AICF that the operation of an order delivered against it by the court`s single judge bench be stayed, a division bench of Acting Chief Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw said: "The single judge has only taken a prima facie view and the appellant (AICF) may approach the Competition Commisison."

The order was issued over the petition of Hemant Sharma and other chess players.

AICF`s counsel Arvind Nigam said that the court was not a "statutory body" under law, and could not direct the panel to probe the allegations against the apex body of chess.
He said that under the government guidelines, there could be only one sports federation for a game and the AICF was the only one federation for chess.

"The order for probe against the AICF was untenable," said Nigam.

Justice Vipin Sanghi earlier asked the CCI to probe whether the AICF was abusing its dominant position.

He gave the order while taking note of the plea filed by a player alleging that the AICF, recognised by the sports ministry, was prohibiting players registered with it from participating in tournaments organised by other chess federations.

It was also alleged that July 11, the AICF had written a letter to Railways Sports Promotion Board that players, who participated and won in tournaments organised by other sports associations, would have to tender an apology and give the prize money to the AICF.

Justice Sanghi took serious note of the allegation while asking the CCI to look into them.

"Since in the present case, the petitioner has brought to this court`s notice the aforesaid state of affairs in relation to the AICF, this court is of the opinion that the said aspects need a thorough investigation under provisions of the Competition Act by the Competition Commission," Justice Sanghi said.

The court asked Sharma and other chess players, claiming to be registered with AICF, to appear before the CCI Nov 28 to present a memorandum containing their grievances.

IANS

All India Chess Federation Selectively Enforces Stupid Rule

Can you say SUCKS SUCKS SUCKS three times quickly? Do other national chess federations have this rule in place - that is - its top rated players MUST play in the national championship? I can tell you right now, the USA does not have such a rule! Neither does England, and I'm sure Russia does not! Various reports from around the internet: GM Susan Polgar's blog reported on this on December 17, 2008 Chessdom.com The Hindu DNAIndia: Players' Body Backs Barred Gopal Now the All India Chess Federation decides to change the rule for all players rated below 2650. Is it REALLY going to tell GMKoneru Humpy, the second highest rated female player in the WORLD, that she MUST now play in the National Championship??? But what about GM Vishy Anand, the current WORLD CHESS CHAMPION? Hey - what's sause for the goose is sauce for the gander, why should Anand not be compelled to play in the National Championship too? In a democracy, both sexes are treated equally - or should be. Will the AICF step up to the plate now and lead the way to a new era of equality???

AICF to Host Women's International Tournament in 2009

AICF has announced it will host a women's international tournament in 2009: From The Hindu.com Tuesday, December 23, 2008 International women’s open MANGALORE: The All India Chess Federation (AICF) secretary, D.V. Mr. Sundar said the AICF would conduct an international open tournament exclusively for women next year. “Mangalore could host the tournament,” he added. “Though women could play in the various open international tournaments, we feel by conducting an exclusive international event for them, we could promote the women’s sport better. “We will bring Woman Grandmasters from abroad for the tournament.” — Principal Correspondent

9 Year Old Sues Chess Federation

From dajiworld.com (Western India) Thursday, February 28, 2008 8:14:39 PM (IST) B'gady: Chess Prodigy Shabdik Moves Court against Federation Beltangady 28: A 9-year-old chess player Shabdik Varma, a student of Ujire SDM English Medium School has gone on appeal to the local Court against All India Chess Federation (AICF) for injustice meted out by the latter to him. Varma was recommended by the Federation to play in a tournament at Sri Lanka. He had made all the arrangements to visit Sri Lanka but owing to the indifferent attitude of the Federation his tour was cancelled at the eleventh hour. Later he issued a notice to the Federation seeking compensation for mental trauma that he had to undergo owing to the apathy shown by the Federation. However, Federation overlooked Shabdik's plea. Meanwhile Federation secretary D V Sundar said to have threatened Shabdik of moving court. "It is against Federation's rules to move court. By issuing notice to the Federation, you have broken the Federation norms which may in turn result in banning you from the future tourneys being organized by the Federation. Why should not we remove your name from our listed players?" asked a Show Cause notice issued by the Federation. Reacting sharply to this, Shabdik's lawyers Ajith and Badrinath have filed a written petition with the Sports Authority of India and the Indian Government. They have made an appeal with the concerned authorities not to follow separate rules for chess players based on their region. If their plea still goes unheard, chances are that they may move High Court in this regard. They have also appealed for a probe with regard to the apathy shown by the Federation.