New Delhi: 

The District Registrar of Gurugram has declared elections of Haryana Football Association, held last year, didn’t comply with the state’s Registration and Regulation of Societies Act (HRRS Act).

“The said election is neither uploaded on the official portal nor approved by this office. Thus, the Governing Body lacked legal sanctity and should have sought appointment of an Administrator-cum-RO under Section 39(10) of the Act before initiating any fresh elections.”

It was also observed that there was prima facie evidence of manipulation in the membership and eligible voters list, and several founder members were removed from the society without due process, which raised concerns of procedural violation.

Records also confirmed that the last duly approved Governing Body was held in 2017, after which no valid annual returns were submitted, suggesting non-compliance prima facie and pointing to prima facie financial mismanagement and organisational breakdown.

“In view of the above, The election held on 19.08.2024 is declared non-compliant with the HRRS Act, 2012, tainted by procedural lapses and voter list manipulation. A reference is being made to the Ld. State Registrar under Section 40 for setting aside the said election.

“In the absence of a valid Governing Body and to ensure lawful management, Satyavir Singh (Retd.) is appointed as Administrator-cum-Returning Officer under Section 39(10) to manage the affairs of the Haryana Football Association and conduct elections as per legal procedure.”

On June 2, the HFA recently held its annual award ceremony, which was attended by AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey.

The elections were held in the presence of an observer, AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan, on August 19 last year.

To ensure lawful management in the absence of a valid governing body, an administrator-cum-returning Officer was appointed to run the HFA and conduct fresh elections.

Hearing the appeal of Sandeep Mor, Sheikh Sabera Begum, and Suresh Kumar, the District Registrar observed that the “Returning Officer was appointed by a non-approved Governing Body. The election process lacked compliance with the HRRS Act and rules, especially regarding issuance of notices, publication of schedule, and transparency, thereby violating voting rights of eligible members.”

The District Registrar pointed out that it had submitted an affidavit in court regarding elections conducted on September 24, 2021, but subsequently, due process wasn’t followed to attain legal sanctity.

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