Karun Duggal, a two-time former state chess champion from Delhi, has taken a bold step by issuing a legal notice to the All India Chess Federation (AICF). He is seeking a staggering Rs 1 crore in compensation for the removal of his Elo rating and a ban imposed on him in 2010. Duggal alleges that the AICF’s actions were a direct consequence of his participation in a chess tournament organized by the Chess Association of India (CAI), a rival federation at the time.
Duggal vividly remembers the events of 2010, stating that the AICF removed his rating despite him never participating in any tournament deemed ‘unauthorized’ by the federation. He was subsequently barred from competing in any AICF-sanctioned tournament. He went on to explain that after facing this injustice, he, along with three other chess players, decided to fight back. The group approached the Delhi High Court, leading to a lengthy legal battle that ultimately resulted in the restoration of their ratings in 2018, thanks to the intervention of British Grandmaster Nigel Short.
Duggal further revealed that the AICF’s actions against him and his fellow chess players were not isolated incidents. They targeted approximately 150 players by removing their ratings and banned over 2,500 players who had participated in CAI tournaments. The federation even demanded signed undertakings from players, including minors, pledging not to participate in any chess event not recognized by the AICF.
Duggal expressed his bewilderment at the lack of a clear explanation from the AICF regarding the removal of his rating and subsequent ban. He questioned why the federation continued to appeal against the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) ruling even after the merger of CAI with AICF. He maintains that he was never provided with a logical reason for being excluded from tournaments and categorized as ‘banned’.
Duggal clarified that his involvement in the CAI tournament stemmed from his role as a national arbiter, assisting in the conduct of the event. He emphasized that the AICF’s decision to ban him was a direct response to this participation. Despite the restoration of his rating in 2019, Duggal believes that the ban cost him valuable playing time during his peak years. He, along with his fellow chess player Gurpreet Pal Singh, who also faced similar treatment, are seeking compensation for this lost opportunity.
Gurpreet shared the sentiment, stating that while they are now free to participate in tournaments, their prime years have been lost due to the wrongful ban. He emphasized the need for players to have the freedom to choose which tournaments they wish to compete in, a principle upheld by the CCI verdict.
While Duggal awaits final clearance from his lawyer, he is steadfast in his pursuit of compensation from the AICF. He believes that the federation’s actions were unjust and warrant accountability. The AICF, however, has not responded to requests for comment regarding the legal notice and the allegations made against them.
