HC notice to cycling federation over CAG affiliation suspension

PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has issued notice to the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) on a petition filed by the Cycling Association of Goa (CAG) challenging the federation’s decision to keep its membership and affiliation under abeyance, according to a CAG media release issued on Wednesday.
The petition was filed by CAG general secretary Neeraj Gupta challenging the CFI communication dated August 17, 2026. CAG has sought urgent relief, contending that the action was taken without prior notice, a show-cause notice or an opportunity of being heard.
The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit Jamsandekar. According to CAG, the CFI has been asked to respond by September 9.
The CFI's decision keeps CAG's membership and affiliation under abeyance with immediate effect until its constitution, rules and regulations are amended to conform with the CFI Constitution (Version 2026), the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 and the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026.
The dispute centres on CAG's elections held on August 9. CFI had deputed advocate M K Pasha as observer for the polls and subsequently questioned the electoral process.
According to CFI, its observer found that CAG's constitution provides for a district association or club, while individuals were accepted as nominees in the elections. The federation also considered the returning officer's report and a representation received from Viplava G Bhatkta before concluding that the elections were “full of arbitrariness”.
CFI has also constituted an interim committee to oversee athletes' selection, participation, training and related activities in Goa.
CAG, however, has challenged the interim arrangement, arguing that it would effectively replace a democratically elected body with a non-elected committee without a prior finding of illegality following due process.
CAG has also contended that its affiliation with CFI was obtained on June 27, 2026, and questioned the legal provision under which the federation exercised its power to keep the affiliation under abeyance.
CAG general secretary Neeraj Gupta said, “Our objective in approaching the High Court is not to obstruct the development of cycling in Goa, but to ensure that the interests of our athletes and the principles of democratic governance and natural justice are protected. We have full faith in the judicial process and hope that the matter will be resolved in the larger interest of cycling and cyclists in Goa.”