WPA(P)/1/2026 of ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION Vs UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. on 6 August 2026

1. The subject Public Interest Litigation has been filed seeking formation of Recruitment Rules for Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

2. By an order dated 04.07.1986, the Lieutenant Governor has created a Department of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA) in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Several programmes for promoting sports and youth affairs under the aegis of this department have also been implemented.

3. The DSYA has been formed to augment, establish, promote facilities, to address sports youth affairs and art and culture in this islands.

4. Since thereafter the DSYA was under the control of Department of Education and was following the Recruitment Rules of the said department. On 12.10.2004, about 14 posts in Group A, B and C - from Director & Assistant Director all the way down to Ayah – were created for the DSYA, totaling to 28 and 9 posts in the Group A, B, C & D categories.

5. The personnel to these posts, except the Director, were transferred from the office of the Directorate of Education to the

DSYA. The DSYA also came to include the discipline of Arts and Culture. While independent Recruitment Rules were framed in the DSYA for the post of Director, Store Keeper, Multi Tasking Staff (MTS in the group D category). There are no Recruitment Rules for the other Group B, C and other group D comprising in about 36 posts in the DSYA.

6. By an order dated 16.04.2026, a Coordinate Bench directed the respondents to file affidavit-in-opposition in the form of a report. Such affidavit affirmed on 08.06.2026 has been filed.

7. It appears from the affidavit that the Administration and the writ petitioner are ad idem and on the same page. The respondents are equally concerned and appear to be taking steps to fill up the posts in the DSYA by framing independent Recruitment Rules.

8. It further transpires from the affidavit that there is a State Sports Council (SSC), which is a registered society functioning under the DSYA formed with the object of promoting professional coaching and sports development in various disciplines in these islands. Coaches have already been appointed in Badminton, Hockey, Volleyball and Cycling on contract basis. Appointment of 20 more coaches in other several disciplines are in the pipeline.

9. This Court therefore requests the respondents to bear-in- mind that in addition to Sports and Youth Affairs, Arts and Culture are equally part and parcel of their responsibilities.

10. It is expected that appropriate personnel are earmarked, and posts created and appropriate attention is given to the discipline Art and Culture by the DSYA.

11. This court appreciates the proposal of the respondents to revive the abolished posts and fill up the vacant posts that would be dedicated exclusively to the DSYA to implement its object and purpose. It appears that the DYSA would soon emerge as an independent body albeit under the Administration.

12. Since the respondents in all fairness have admitted that they are in the process of framing the new Recruitment Rules for the DSYA, it is expected that such Rules are framed as expeditiously as possible preferably within a period of six months from date.

13. This Court equally appreciates fairness of the respondents in admitting that posts have not been filled up in the DSYA regularly. In addition to filling up of posts promotional avenues must also be ensured within the hierarchy of the post in the DSYA.

14. In the light of the above, the respondents must treat the observations made herein above to constitute, directions of this Court.

15. The Union is not represented in this proceedings, despite service. It is, therefore, presumed that all actions taken by the Lieutenant Governor and those to be taken as directed herein have the approval of the Union of India.

16. Let a formal sanction be accorded by the Central Government particularly its Principal Secretaries of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Finance.

17. Let a copy of this order be served on the aforesaid Principal Secretaries. The Ministry of Finance of the Central Government be added as party respondent to the instant writ petition.

18. Advocate on record for the petitioner shall cause amendment to the cause title in course of the day. Let a copy of the writ petition and this order be communicated afresh to the non-appearing respondents of the Central Government.

19. In the facts and circumstances aforesaid, the prayer A (ii) and (iii) to the writ petition are hereby allowed.

20. With the aforesaid observations, WPA(P)/1/2026 stands disposed of.

21. All parties are directed to act on a server copy of this order duly downloaded from the official website of this Court.

( Rajasekhar Mantha, J. )

( Partha Sarathi Sen, J.)