"We are only an associate member of HI without voting rights. We also don't get any financial grant from the Maharashtra government. So we are not under the Sports Code," newly elected secretary Ram Singh Rathor told PTI.
Rathor was re-elected as secretary of MHAL by a thumping margin, along with president Mangha Singh Bakshi whose ruling group trounced the rival Olympians' group, led by Gurbax Singh Grewal, in yesterday's hustings to retain control of the body for the next three years.
Rathor had replied to the letter saying that the NSCI did not apply to them.
"We further clarify that we are Associate Member of National Governing body, Hockey India, without the voting right. The constitution of Hockey India which was amended on 30th May, 2015 clearly mention that Associate Members are governed by their own constitution," Rathor said in his reply.
Ahead of the elections, the Olympians' panel had pointed out the violation of the code by their rivals with Bal Govind Chokhani - who was re-elected as treasurer, seeking his fifth term, which was in violation of the Code.
As per the NSCI, a treasurer may serve a maximum of two successive terms of four years each after which a minimum cooling off period of four years will apply to seek fresh election to the post.