PIL on ‘Team India’ Name Dismissed: Delhi HC Calls It Waste of Time
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought to stop the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from calling its team the “Indian Cricket Team.”
The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela criticised the petitioner, advocate Reepak Kansal, for wasting the court’s time. The judges made it clear that the Indian cricket team indeed represents the country, regardless of BCCI’s private status.
“Are you saying the team doesn’t represent India? This team goes everywhere and represents India. How can you say they are not Team India?” Justice Gedela asked during the hearing.
Chief Justice Upadhyaya further remarked, “This is a sheer wastage of the court’s time and your own time. Tell us one sport where the national team is selected by government officials. Whether it’s the Commonwealth Games, Olympics, hockey, football, or tennis — do they not represent India?”
The Court also dismissed the petitioner’s argument that using the Indian flag by the team was unlawful. “If you want to unfurl a flag at your home, are you prohibited from doing so?” the Bench asked.
The judges explained that international sports bodies like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) prohibit excessive government interference. “Are you aware how the entire sports ecosystem functions? Are you aware of the Olympic Charter and the rules of IOC? Wherever governments have interfered, the IOC has acted strongly,” the Court observed.
Finally, the Bench dismissed the PIL, calling it baseless.
What the Petition Claimed
The PIL, filed by advocate Reepak Kansal, argued that BCCI is a private entity registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act and is not a statutory or government body under Article 12 of the Constitution. Hence, according to the petitioner, it should not be allowed to refer to its team as “Team India” or use national symbols.
The plea also stated that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in several RTI replies, had clarified that BCCI is not recognised as a National Sports Federation (NSF) and does not receive government funding.
Kansal further contended that government media platforms and public broadcasters, such as Prasar Bharati, wrongly call the BCCI’s team “Team India” or “Indian National Team,” and display the national flag during matches. He claimed this violated the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, and the Flag Code of India, 2002.
The petition said such use of national symbols and name misleads citizens and undermines the dignity of the nation’s identity.
Court’s Verdict
After hearing the arguments, the Delhi High Court found no merit in the petition and firmly held that the Indian cricket team represents the country in spirit and practice. The judges reiterated that not every team needs to be government-run to represent India at the international level.
Thus, the PIL was dismissed.
