PANAJI
The recently concluded Goans Hockey elections are facing a proposed legal challenge from Goa Mavericks president Atul Pai Kane, who has raised objections over the eligibility of the newly elected president and the procedure followed during the election process.
Pai Kane said Goa Mavericks had already raised its objections before the Electoral Officer and was considering legal action, including seeking appropriate relief from the court.
A principal objection raised by Pai Kane relates to Clause 11.4 of the Goans Hockey constitution. He contended that, under the provision, the newly elected president was not eligible to contest the election. Pai Kane said the objection was brought to the attention of the Electoral Officer, but the election process proceeded despite it.
He has also questioned the procedure followed in the run-up to the election, particularly an emergency meeting reportedly held on September 9 and the voting rights granted to participants. Pai Kane said the North Goa District Association was invited to the meeting without voting rights.
Another issue raised by him concerns the presentation and approval of a new constitution. Pai Kane questioned the circumstances under which the new constitution was placed before the meeting and subsequently approved. He also raised questions over the proposed amendments and whether the constitutional procedure required for adopting such changes was properly followed.
The election resulted in Abhay Bhamaikar of Hockey South Goa being elected president. The other office-bearers are Tejendra Rajendra Lawande, Ajit Sricanta Bacal and Sonali Sanjit Nagvenkar as vice presidents; Farrel Fredia Furtado E Gracias as secretary general; Laxman Yeshwant Prabhudesai and Maria Cony Dias as joint secretaries; and Nelly Maria Joyce Rodrigues as treasurer. The executive members are Anjulo Politan Fernandes, Gajanan Prakash Karmali and Ronali Sathia Almeida.
Meanwhile, Goa Olympic Association (GOA) general secretary Sandeep Heble said its observer, vice-president Sudesh Thakur, could not attend the meeting due to an emergency.
“By the time he reached the venue, the meeting was over,” said Heble.
