Authority: High Court of Meghalaya at Shillong

Order Date: 30 October 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioners: James P.K. Sangma (President, MCA) in WP(C) 294/2026; Rayonald Kharkamni (Honorary Secretary, MCA) in WP(C) 321/2026 and WP(C) 377/2026.
  • Respondents: MCA office‑bearers (Rayanold Kharkamni, Rajiv Bareh, Analdo Mebanphira Swer, Eddystone Shylla, Chuba R. Marak), BCCI, Retd. Justice B.D. Agarwal (Ombudsman), State of Meghalaya, Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW).
  • Core dispute: Validity of the Ombudsman’s appointment, legality of the President’s unilateral suspension of the Honorary Secretary, and the lawfulness of special/general meetings held after an interim court order dated 01‑07‑2026.
  • Background: MCA faced a POSH‑related sexual‑harassment finding by MSCW (Order No. 522 dated 26‑06‑2026). The President suspended the Honorary Secretary on 27‑06‑2026 as an emergency measure under Rule 18(a). The Honorary Secretary challenged the Ombudsman’s appointment (ratified at the 26th Apex Council Meeting on 07‑03‑2026) and the suspension, alleging procedural violations of MCA Constitution (Rule 25(b)(vi), Rule 30(b), Rule 40, Rule 41(b)).
  • Procedural history: Interim order on 01‑07‑2026 directed that the Ombudsman continue to function pending the next hearing. Subsequent meetings on 09‑05‑2026 and 07‑09‑2026 were held despite the interim order.

Final Outcome

1. WP(C) 294/2026 – Allowed. The Special General Meeting notice dated 27‑06‑2026 is declared invalid; resolutions of 09‑05‑2026 and 07‑09‑2026 are declared illegal and non‑est in law.

2. WP(C) 321/2026 – Not entertained; the challenge to the Ombudsman’s appointment is dismissed.

3. WP(C) 377/2026 – Dismissed; the suspension order dated 27‑06‑2026 is upheld.

4. The Ombudsman’s appointment shall be treated as functional de facto until the matter is taken up at the next Annual General Meeting for proper ratification.

5. The Honorary Secretary, being suspended, must surrender all physical and digital assets (including credentials, e‑mail identity) to the President within two weeks of this order.

6. MCA is directed to implement the provisions of the POSH Act, 2013 and establish safety protocols for female players within six weeks of this order.

Topics: Court Judgment, Sports Governance, Workplace Safety