HC notice to Centre over use of words India, Indian in title

The Delhi High Court today sought Centre's response on a plea by a sports body Chess Association of India against the government move prohibiting it from using the expression "of India" or "Indian" in its title.
Issuing notice to the Ministry of Sports, Justice V K Jain sought its response by November 12 on the association's petition challenging the government letter of July 5, 2011 in which it has prescribed that only national sports federations can use the expression "of India" or "Indian" in competitions controlled by them.
Filing through counsel Rekha Palli, the sports body said government's act is without jurisdiction saying "it has no authority to prohibit other organisation/ companies/ societies from using the expression "of India" or "Indian" in its letter."

Claiming that the association is a registered private society and authorised to use the word, the plea said "the word 'of India' or 'Indian' can be used by any citizen society in its name so long as it does not convey that it has the patronage of the Government of India or does not violate the Emblem and Names( Prevention from improper use) Act."
The petition cited a list of private organisations which are using the words in their title including Indian Premier League (IPL) and contended that the government's letter "clearly shows that the same is motivated and written only at the behest of All India Chess Federation which is feeling threatened by the increasing popularity of the petitioner amongst genuine Chess players....

"...Since it wants to maintain its monopoly over the game of chess, it is taking all steps that no other organisation is able to associate itself with the game of chess.