Panaji, Goa The Goan
In a landmark judgment that could reshape sports governance in Goa, the High Court of Bombay at Goa on Friday directed the Cycling Association of Goa (CAG) to grant admission and full voting rights to 69 disputed members, while also instructing the association to conduct elections at the earliest.
The ruling came in connection with Writ Petition No. 3116 of 2024, filed by the Treasurer of the Cycling Association of Goa, Vipalav Bhakta, against the Inspector General of Societies, the District Registrar, and other respondents. The matter was heard by Hon’ble Dr. Justice Neela Gokhale.
The dispute centered around alleged administrative irregularities, membership disputes, and governance issues within the association, raising serious concerns over transparency and the functioning of sports bodies in the state.
Court Orders Immediate Inclusion of 69 Members
According to cycling stakeholders present after the verdict, the Hon’ble Court dismissed the petition and upheld the direction to include all 69 disputed cyclists as legitimate members of the association with complete voting rights.
The Court also reportedly directed that elections be held as quickly as possible, ensuring that the long-pending administrative deadlock within the Cycling Association of Goa is resolved without further delay.
Cycling enthusiast and stakeholder Chetan Salkar said the decision was a major victory for fairness and transparency.
“This is a good decision. The petition was dismissed today. The Court has asked to give admission to all 69 disputed members, give them all voting rights, and hold elections as quickly as possible,” he stated.
Cycling Community Welcomes Verdict
The judgment was widely welcomed by cyclists, club representatives, and sports enthusiasts across Goa, many of whom have been fighting for years to ensure proper representation within the association.
Senior cyclist Brian Soares described the verdict as a major relief for the cycling fraternity.
“Today’s decision comes as a welcome relief for all cycling enthusiasts. It’s been years that cycling was meant to be structured, but it got derailed for various reasons. I have been representing cycling in Goa for several years, and I am happy with the decision that has come today,” he said.
Cycling enthusiast Blaire Costabir called it a landmark judgment not only for cyclists but for sports governance in general.
“This judgment is important because many sports associations are controlled by non-sportsmen. In this case too, cyclists were kept out, and decisions were often political rather than sport-related. This decision can benefit many other associations as well,” Costabir remarked.
A Big Day for Goa’s Cycling Clubs
Malcolm Coelho, President of Riders Cycling Club, Margao, said the ruling marked a major day for cycling clubs across the state.
“Today is a big day for us and all cycling clubs. Since July 24, 2000, we have been following up on this issue. The Hon’ble High Court has now given its decision allowing the 69 cyclists to be part of the Cycling Association of Goa. We are very happy and thankful for this decision,” he said.
Impact Beyond Cycling
Legal observers believe the ruling may set an important precedent for other sports associations in Goa, especially where questions of membership rights, transparency, and democratic functioning have been raised.
The judgment reinforces judicial oversight in ensuring that registered societies and sports bodies function according to rules, fairness, and institutional integrity.
With elections now expected to be scheduled soon, the verdict is being seen as a turning point for Goa’s cycling administration and a strong message for sports governance across the state.
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