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CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has issued notice to the All Odisha Chess Association (AOCA), the All India Chess Federation (AICF), the Inspector General of Registration (Odisha) and AOCA president Satya Ranjan Pattnaik on a petition challenging the suspension of the association’s secretary.Hearing the matter on Monday, a single-judge bench of Justice B P Routray directed issuance of notice to the parties and posted the case for hearing on March 30. The court also ordered that no final decision regarding the status of the petitioner be taken by the AOCA president till the next date of hearing.The petition was filed by AOCA secretary Debasish Bhatta, who has challenged what he described as an “illegal and unconstitutional” suspension imposed on him on February 24.
Advocate Bibhuti Bhusan Choudhury argued on behalf of the petitioner.According to the plea, the AOCA president allegedly convened an executive committee meeting on February 24 without proper notice or authorisation, in violation of the association’s constitution and established procedures. Bhatta, who was first elected secretary in 2019 and re-elected in 2022 and 2025, was suspended through a letter issued the same day pending a disciplinary inquiry.
The suspension order cited allegations such as financial irregularities, non-submission of audited accounts, constitutional violations and activities allegedly detrimental to players. However, the petitioner contended that the charges are vague and unsupported by evidence.Bhatta further claimed the action was taken without prior notice, inquiry or an opportunity for him to present his defence, violating principles of natural justice. The order also restrained him from performing official duties, representing the association, operating bank accounts and accessing official records.In his petition, Bhatta also highlighted initiatives undertaken during his tenure that he said helped expand and strengthen chess activities across the state.
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