Eminent Luminaries

Hon’ble Dr. Justice Satish Chandra, born on May 24, 1953, retired from the Allahabad High Court after a distinguished career in law and justice. He was awarded a prestigious fellowship by The Hague Academy of International Law, recognizing his contributions to the field. As an academic, he served as a Visiting Professor at the Institute of State and Law in Moscow, sharing his vast legal knowledge.

Dr. Chandra played a significant role in international legal affairs, serving as a Constitutional Advisor to the Government of Zanzibar and as a Judge of the High Court in Zanzibar. He also contributed to constitutional reforms as an Honorary Consultant to the Constitution Review Commission of Zambia and was appointed as the first Legal Advisor to the Sultanate of Oman, marking his global influence in legal advisory roles.

His contributions to Indian law include serving as Director (Additional Law Officer) at the Law Commission of India from 1989 to 1997. He was also a Judicial Member of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal for over a decade (1997–2008), adjudicating critical tax matters. Currently, he serves as the Chairperson of the AIFF Ethics Committee, continuing his legacy of legal excellence and ethical governance.

Hon’ble Mr. Raghvendra Kumar (Retd. Justice, Allahabad High Court) was born on April 1, 1956. He graduated in Law from Allahabad University in 1973 and began his judicial career in 1979 when he was appointed to the P.C.S. (J). He was later promoted to the Higher Judicial Service in 1999 and subsequently appointed as District & Sessions Judge in 2011.

He took oath as an Additional Judge on February 18, 2015, and was later elevated as a Permanent Judge on January 16, 2017. He served with distinction at the Allahabad High Court until his retirement on March 31, 2018.

Currently, he holds the position of Deputy Chairperson of the AIFF Disciplinary Committee, where he continues to contribute his legal expertise and judicial experience.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajesh Tandon (Retd. Justice, Allahabad High Court) was born on July 1, 1946. He was elected twice as Vice President of the High Court Bar Association, Allahabad, reflecting his leadership and dedication to the legal profession.

Throughout his 35-year career, he argued and conducted numerous cases of all types, including Second Appeals, Civil Revisions, and Writ Petitions, particularly after the transfer of cases to Uttarakhand. His deep commitment to the legal profession is also evident in his contributions as an author of legal books, including Commentary on the Rent Control Act, U.P.Z.A. & L.R. Act, and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Currently, he serves as the Chairperson of the AIFF Appeals Committee, where he continues to apply his vast legal expertise and judicial experience.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Servesh Kumar Gupta (Former Judge, Uttarakhand High Court) was born on January 1, 1956. He joined the Uttar Pradesh Judicial Services on November 5, 1979, and held various judicial positions across the state. After the creation of Uttarakhand, he opted to serve in the newly formed state.

Justice Gupta served as the District Judge of Rudraprayag, Pauri Garhwal, and Haridwar. He also held prominent positions, including Chairman of the Uttarakhand Tax Tribunal and Legal Adviser to the Governor of Uttarakhand. His vast legal expertise led to his elevation as a Judge of the Uttarakhand High Court at Nainital, where he served with distinction until his retirement on December 31, 2017.

Currently, he is a member of the AIFF Appeals Committee, where he continues to contribute his legal acumen and judicial experience.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ravindra Singh (Former Judge, Allahabad High Court) was born on July 2, 1953. He graduated in Science from Agra University in 1974 and later earned his Law degree from Allahabad University in 1977. He enrolled as an Advocate on December 21, 1978, and specialized in criminal law practice at the Allahabad High Court.

Throughout his distinguished career, he served as a Government Advocate and Additional Advocate General of Uttar Pradesh, handling key legal matters for the state. His judicial excellence led to his elevation as an Additional Judge on September 24, 2004, and he later took the oath as a Permanent Judge on August 18, 2005. He continued serving at the Allahabad High Court until his retirement on July 1, 2015.

Currently, Justice Ravindra Singh is the Chairperson of the AIFF Players' Status Committee, where he brings his vast legal expertise to football governance and player-related matters.

Shri Jitender Rana, a retired IPS officer of the 2005 batch, has had a distinguished career in law enforcement and administration. With expertise in legal frameworks, crime prevention, and governance, he has held key positions ensuring law and order. His deep understanding of regulations and policy implementation has been widely recognized.

Currently, he serves as a Member of the AIFF Players' Status Committee, overseeing player contracts, transfers, and dispute resolutions. His legal and administrative acumen adds significant value, ensuring fair implementation of regulations and strengthening governance within Indian football.

Ranjit Kumar Pachnanda, a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and former Director General (DG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Director General NDRF, has had an an illustrious career in law enforcement and public administration. He has held several key positions, making significant contributions to national security and governance.

Former Positions:

Chairman, Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission
Chairman , Haryana Public Service Commission

Director General, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

Director General, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

Commissioner of Police, Kolkata

Currently, he is the Head of Integrity at the All India Football Federation (AIFF), where he is responsible for upholding transparency and ethical standards in Indian football governance.

Major General Deep Ahlawat, a retired equestrian champion and Indian Army officer, is currently serving as the Vice Chancellor of Uttar Pradesh State Sports University, Meerut. He assumed office on December 18, 2024, bringing extensive experience in sports administration and leadership.

A decorated officer with a distinguished career in the Indian Army, he has contributed significantly to the promotion of sports and athlete development in India.

Presently, he is also a Member of the AIFF Disciplinary Committee, playing a key role in maintaining discipline and governance within Indian football.

Inivalappil Mani Vijayan (born 25 April 1969) is a former Indian footballer who captained the India national team as a striker.

He has also acted in several films, with his movie Mmmmm being shortlisted for India’s entry into the 93rd Academy Awards.

Vijayan has received numerous accolades, including the Arjuna Award (2003) and the Padma Shri (2025) for his contributions to Indian football.

He is currently serving as the Chairman of the AIFF Technical Committee.

Shabbir Ali (born 26 January 1956) is an Indian football manager and former player. He was awarded the Dhyan Chand Award in 2011, the highest honor in Indian sports for lifetime achievement, making him the first footballer to receive this prestigious award.

With a distinguished career in Indian football, both as a player and coach, he has significantly contributed to the sport's growth in the country.

Presently, he serves as a Member of the AIFF Executive Committee.

Bimal Ghosh (born 29 June 1956) is a former Indian footballer and coach, best known for his 18-year tenure as Head Coach of Air India Football Club in Mumbai.

A recipient of the Dronacharya Award, Ghosh has been recognized for training players who achieved outstanding results in international competitions. He also won the NFL Best Coach Award.

Ghosh has produced over 32 players for the Indian national team and many more for youth teams. Several of his trainees have had successful careers in the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League.

Subrata Paul (born 24 December 1986) is a former Indian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Regarded as one of India’s finest goalkeepers, he was known for his exceptional reflexes and leadership on the field.

In recognition of his contributions to Indian football, he was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2016 by the Government of India.

He currently serves as the National Team Director at AIFF.