Chess Player Demands Rs. 1 Crore Compensation from AICF for Career Cut Short

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has faced a legal notice demanding Rs. 1 crore in compensation from Karun Duggal, a chess player whose career was cut short by the federation's decision to ban him during his peak.

Duggal, a two-time Delhi State Rapid Chess champion, had an Elo rating of 1,979 points when it was revoked by AICF in 2010. The ban stemmed from Duggal's participation in a chess tournament sponsored by the Chess Association of India (CAI), which was not authorized by AICF.

Duggal and three other players filed a complaint to the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against AICF, alleging contravention of the Competition Act. The CCI ruled in favor of the players, imposing a penalty of Rs. 6.92 lakh on AICF for anti-competitive conduct.

The CCI found that AICF's restrictions on chess players to participate in unauthorized events and the attendant punitive consequences restricted the movement of chess players and placed them and potential organizers of chess tournaments in a disproportionate disadvantage.

Duggal's legal notice seeks compensation for the financial and professional damages incurred due to AICF's actions. He claims that the ban cut short his chess career and resulted in the loss of sponsorships, endorsements, and professional growth opportunities.

Duggal's case has gained momentum after the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) dismissed AICF's petition for restoration of appeal. This dismissal has given Duggal's case added weight.

Gurpreet Pal Singh, another player who was banned by AICF, is also considering legal action. Singh, who was the National Junior Champion in 1994, had an Elo rating of 2,306 points when his rating was revoked.

The AICF's actions have had a significant impact on the careers of several chess players. Duggal and Singh's legal challenges aim to hold AICF accountable for its anti-competitive practices and to seek compensation for the damages caused to their careers.

Tags: #Chess, #AICF, #CompetitionLaw, #AntiCompetitivePractices, #PlayerBans