Hockey India Director General Cdr. R.K. Srivastava has been divested of all authority and served a legal notice following alleged repeated non-compliance with presidential directives.
Hockey India Director General Cdr. R.K. Srivastava has been divested of all authority and responsibilities following repeated instances of non-compliance with directives issued by the governing body's president.
A legal notice served to Srivastava on behalf of Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey read: “In the interest of maintaining discipline, accountability and the smooth functioning of Hockey India, we hereby inform you that, with immediate effect, all your powers as Director General of Hockey India cease, and you shall not exercise any authority or act on behalf of Hockey India pending further decision in accordance with the Hockey India bye-laws…”
Among the specific charges listed, Srivastava traveled to the recent World Cups in the Netherlands and Belgium despite explicit and repeated instructions from Tirkey not to do so. The notice also cited an arbitrary decision to change the national team's jersey without prior consultation or clearance ahead of the World Cups.
Furthermore, the notice pointed to the non-availability on record of internal/POSH committee proceedings and a report concerning allegations against a top Hockey India official.
Srivastava has been given four weeks to provide a reply supported by documentary evidence. The governing body indicated that failure to comply could lead to further action under Hockey India bye-laws.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Hockey. Photo courtesy The Hindu Hockey.