MC(WP(C)) No. 177 of 2025 Item No. 15 IN THE HIGH COURT OF MANIPUR AT IMPHAL MC(WP(C)) No. 177 of 2025 (Ref.: WP(C) No. 163 of 2025) Manipur Hockey. …Applicant - Versus - State of Manipur & Anr. …Respondents B E F O R E HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE A. GUNESHWAR SHARMA O R D E R 06-03-2025 [1] Heard Mr. H. Prabirkumar, learned counsel assisted by Ms. N. Prista, learned counsel for the applicant/petitioner and Mr. S. Nepolean, learned Government Advocate assisted by Mrs. R.K. Emily, learned Dy. Government Advocate for the State respondents. [2] The present application is filed by the applicant/petitioner in WP(C) No. 163 of 2025, i.e. Manipur Hockey for allowing hockey players to represent the State of Manipur in the upcoming tournaments organized by Hockey India during the pendency of the present writ petition. [3] The main writ petition is fixed on 24-03-2025. [4] Mr. H. Prabirkumar, learned counsel for the applicant/petitioner, submits that the urgency in filing the present application is that the National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025 (Final Phase) is going to be conducted on 18-03-2025 to 27-03-2025 at Ranchi, Jharkhand and the Manipur Hockey is qualified for appearing in Pool A. The last date for submission of team MC(WP(C)) No. 177 of 2025 entry form is 08-03-2025 and the participating teams have to report by 10- 03-2025. [5] In the circumstance, Mr. H. Prabirkumar, learned counsel for the applicant/petitioner prays that a team from Manipur, invited by Hockey India vide its letter dated 22-02-2025, as shown in the fixture, be permitted to appear in the tournament. The learned counsel for the applicant/petitioner, also submits that similar interim order passed by this Court vide order dated 27-02-2025 may be passed in the present case for the interest of the hockey in general and players in particular. [6] Mr. S. Nepolean, learned Government Advocate for the State respondents, submits that passing of any interim order is not called for at this moment as the petitioner/Manipur Hockey has been invited by the Hockey India for participation in the upcoming National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025 (Final Phase) and the said team has been included in the fixture of the tournament. It is also submitted that the selection of the players should not be confined to the petitioner-association only and it should include all the hockey players and be opened to the entire State of Manipur. [7] Mr. H. Prabirkumar, learned counsel for the applicant/petitioner, submits that since the matter is pending before this Court, it will be prudent for the applicant to take permission from this Court. In the circumstance, they file this present application. [8] This Court has perused the application and submissions of the parties and also the interim order dated 27-02-2025 passed by this Court in WP(C) No. 163 of 2025. In the earlier interim order, this Court permitted the MC(WP(C)) No. 177 of 2025 petitioner-association to participate in the 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship, 2025 to be held at Panchkula, Haryana for the interest of the game and players in particular without prejudice the rights of the parties. [9] Even though this Court finds substance in the submission of the learned Government Advocate, at this stage, a team from Manipur be sent to the ensuing National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025 (Final Phase) to be held at Ranchi, Jharkhand from 18th March to 27th March, 2025. [10] It is made clear that sending of the team shall not be prejudiced to the rights of the parties and it is confined for the sake of participating of a team in the event. This order is confined to participation in the National Women’s Hockey League 2024-2025 (Final Phase) to be held at Ranchi, Jharkhand. It is made clear that in case of any future tournament, any application in this regard shall have a comprehensive details about the proposed team to be sent. [11] With this observation, MC(WP(C)) No. 177 of 2025 is disposed of. [12] Furnish a copy of this order to the learned counsel appearing for the parties. JUDGE Victoria NINGOM BAM VICTORIA Digitally signed by NINGOMBAM VICTORIA Date: 2025.03.06 16:53:57 +05'30'