Expelled OSCA takes refuge of court

Dispute surrounding chess in the state has taken another turn with the expelled Orissa State Chess Association (OSCA) filing a suit against All India Chess Federation (AICF) and the state ad hoc committee, appointed by AICF to run the game till the constitution of a democratically elected state body. Petitioner Smruti Ranjan Das prayed the court to declare illegal and inoperative the expulsion of OSCA by AICF and the appointment of the ad hoc committee. ‘‘The petition, filed in court of the Civil Judge (Junior Division) here on March 25 last is coming up for hearing tomorrow,’’ Das, also the secretary of expelled state body, disclosed at a press conference in Bhubaneswar today. AICF expelled OSCA earlier this year on charges of irregularities and misconduct. Das admitted that OSCA had committed some mistakes but felt that the action taken by AICF has been too harsh. ‘‘OSCA committed certain mistakes and was rectifying these on a priority basis. But without giving enough time to complete the reform process, OSCA has been expelled,’’ the petitioner stated. He announced that despite being expelled OSCA would continue to exist and work for the promotion of the game. ‘‘OSCA will organise open tournaments, coaching camps and wait for the court to give its verdict,’’ Das said.