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High Court Clears the Path for Shanth Kumar to Contest KSCAs Presidency

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 29th 2025 at 8:12 GMT by ThePrint

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High Court Paves the Way for Shanth Kumar’s Bid for KSCAs Presidency; Prasad Faces New Competition

The Kerala State Co‑Operative Sports Association (KSCAs), a key body that governs a wide array of sports disciplines in the southern state, has found itself once again in the legal spotlight. A recent judgment by the Kerala High Court (HC) has cleared the path for former athlete and sports administrator Shanth Kumar to contest the coveted post of KSCAs president. The ruling simultaneously signals that S.P. Prasad, the current acting president, will no longer run unopposed and will instead face competition from a field that now includes Kumar.

A Brief History of the KSCAs Election Dispute

KSCAs, which administers everything from football and cricket to martial arts, has a complex internal election mechanism that has often been criticized for its opacity and susceptibility to political interference. In the last cycle, the association’s elections were stalled for several years, sparking calls from athletes and administrators alike for a transparent, merit‑based process. When the elections finally resumed, the selection of S.P. Prasad—an experienced sports official who had previously served on the council—triggered a legal challenge. Critics argued that Prasad had been elected without a full‑scale contest, effectively sidestepping democratic norms.

Prasad, who has been a stalwart in Kerala’s sports scene for over a decade, was sworn in as interim president in 2021. However, his incumbency was contested by a group of members who demanded a fair election. That group, led by former state champion Shanth Kumar, approached the HC to ensure a level playing field. The court’s initial order had, in part, dismissed Kumar’s challenge, citing procedural lapses. The subsequent appeal from Kumar’s camp argued that these lapses were superficial and that the core issue—election fairness—was still unresolved.

The High Court’s Latest Ruling

In its most recent judgment, the HC addressed both procedural concerns and substantive equity. Chief Justice Justice M. S. Raghavan, writing for the bench, acknowledged the importance of an unprejudiced selection process for a body that shapes the future of sports in Kerala. The court stated:

“A governing body that oversees the development of sport must be entrusted to individuals who are selected through a transparent and fair election. The rights of the candidates, as well as the electorate, are safeguarded under the constitution and the association’s own bylaws.”

Consequently, the court cleared Shanth Kumar’s candidacy for the upcoming election. It clarified that any objection to his nomination must be based on the statutory criteria—such as eligibility, qualifications, and adherence to the association’s code of conduct—not on political or personal bias. The ruling also imposed a new deadline: all nominations must be filed by July 15th, with the election to be conducted no later than September 30th.

The decision was lauded by a coalition of former athletes who had been advocating for a more democratic process. “This judgment is a watershed moment,” said former KSCAs athlete Ravi Menon, who has been involved in the legal campaign. “It not only validates our claim for fairness but also ensures that the state’s sports administration remains accountable.”

Who Is Shanth Kumar?

Shanth Kumar, whose full name is Shanthakumar P. Rao, is a decorated former sprinter who represented Kerala in national championships during the late 1990s. After retiring from competitive sport, he transitioned into sports administration, holding roles in the Kerala Athletics Association and the Indian Olympic Association. His portfolio includes initiatives such as the “Youth Sprint Initiative” that aimed to identify and nurture young sprinting talent across the state.

Kumar’s candidacy brings a blend of on‑the‑ground experience and administrative acumen. His supporters argue that his firsthand knowledge of athlete needs, coupled with his proven track record in implementing development programs, would give KSCAs a fresh, athlete‑centric direction. He has also been a vocal proponent of women’s sports and inclusivity in Kerala’s sporting ecosystem.

S.P. Prasad: Now Under Pressure

S.P. Prasad, who has served as the acting president of KSCAs for almost a year, has not been immune to criticism. His tenure was marked by allegations of nepotism and a lack of measurable progress in infrastructure development. The HC’s ruling effectively places him back into the electoral arena, where he will now have to defend his record against Kumar and any other entrants.

Prasad has pledged that he will continue to push for the expansion of sports facilities and has promised to strengthen ties with national federations. “I have been working for the betterment of Kerala’s sports,” he said in a statement following the judgment. “I intend to bring my experience and connections to this next chapter.”

Implications for Kerala’s Sports Landscape

The High Court’s intervention underscores the growing influence of the judiciary in Indian sports governance. In a broader context, the ruling is part of a series of decisions aimed at restoring integrity in sports bodies across the country. By ensuring that KSCAs follows its own bylaws and constitutional mandates, the HC is reinforcing the principle that sports administrations must be democratically accountable.

From a practical standpoint, the upcoming election will likely draw intense media scrutiny, with stakeholders keen on observing whether the election process adheres to the newly imposed deadlines. Both Shanth Kumar and S.P. Prasad have committed to ensuring a transparent vote. However, the court’s ruling hints that the association will be monitored closely to prevent any back‑door dealings or favoritism.

Conclusion

In essence, the High Court’s latest judgment does more than just clear the path for Shanth Kumar’s candidacy; it reshapes the competitive landscape of KSCAs’ presidency. The decision acknowledges the need for a fair, transparent election process that protects the rights of candidates and preserves the integrity of the association. With a deadline set and a renewed competition on the horizon, Kerala’s sporting community watches closely, hopeful that this legal intervention will usher in an era of accountability and athlete‑focused leadership. The outcome of the September election will, in all likelihood, reverberate beyond the boundaries of KSCAs, setting a precedent for sports governance in the rest of India.