The General Secretary v. The Member Secretary

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 27-03-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI The General Secretary Taewondo Association Tamil nadu, 300, Panagadu Andipatti, Sivadhapuram Salem 636 307 ..Petitioner(s) Vs The Member Secretary Sports Development Authority of Tamil nadu, Jawaharlal Nehru stadium Raja Muthiah Road, Periyamet, Chenani 600 003 ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent to retain the provisional recognition granted to the petitioner considering the representation dated 14.01.2026 For Petitioner(s):

Mr.Shaazim Shagar Shruti Kishore For Respondent(s):

Ms.Tanvi Order This Writ Petition is filed for a Mandamus directing the respondent to retain the provisional recognition granted to the petitioner considering the representation dated 14.01.2026 and pass appropriate orders.

2. The petitioner association has been actively engaged in promoting and administering the sport of Taekwondo in the State by conducting State Championships. The respondent granted provisional recognition to the petitioner association on 05.11.2025. Subsequently, dispute arose at the national level regarding recognition of the National Sports Federation (NSF) governing Taekwondo in India. While that being so, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports passed an order dated 27.02.2026 holding that neither of the federation presently satisfies the requirements for recognition under the Sports Code, resulting in a situation where no National Sports Federation for Taekwondo presently stands recognized in India. In the meanwhile the respondent issued a Show Cause Notice dated 09.01.

2026 proposing withdrawal of provisional recognition granted to the petitioner association in view of the disputes at the national level. According to the petitioner association, disputes relating to recognition of the National Sports Federation cannot be a ground to disrupt the functioning of the petitioner association at the State Level and as such, the petitioner has submitted a representation dated 14.01.2026 seeking protection against withdrawal of recognition and for permission to continue administering the sport of Taekwondo within the State of Tamil Nadu until the issue of recognition of the NSF is finally resolved.

3. Heard both sides and perused the materials.

4. Considering the limited scope of prayer sought for, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 14.01.2026 and pass orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above directions, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

27-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order sk To The Member Secretary Sports Development Authority of Tamil nadu, Jawaharlal Nehru stadium Raja Muthiah Road, Periyamet, Chenani 600 003

M.DHANDAPANI J.

sk 27-03-2026