New Delhi, May 26 (IANS): Even as Hockey India received support from the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for deferring its elections, the sports ministry Tuesday directed the ad hoc body not to go ahead with the poll process in view of the Delhi High Court judgment quashing the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) de-recognition of the Indian Hockey Federation (IHF).

The communication by the sports ministry was sent immediately after HI released a statement from FIH that it could now hold the election of its office-bearers before July 5 instead of the earlier May 31 deadline.

FIH secretary general Peter L. Cohen in a letter to HI secretary general Narinder Batra said the world body is disappointed that HI elections will not be held before May 31, but said no action will be taken against it.

"I note your advice that the date for the elections of the Board of Hockey India is set for July 5, 2010. This is well outside the deadline previously advised to and approved by FIH of 31 May, 2010. The FIH is very disappointed that the deadline cannot be met," Cohen wrote.

"You have asked FIH to extend the May 31 deadline but this FIH cannot do. However, I can advise that, provided that the elections are held on or before July 5, 2010, thereafter Hockey India is and remains the sole governing body for hockey in India. Hockey India is administered in accordance with its statutes as approved by the FIH and it will not take any further action in the meantime."

Cohen said that FIH is interested to see HI fully constituted so that the sport in India will develop and flourish. "FIH has no desire to penalize anyone, least of all the players."

"I look forward to your positive advice that all processes are in place and that the elections are held on or before 5 July, 2010."

The sports ministry, however, told HI not to initiate the election process.

"In the light of the high court judgment in the matter of Indian Hockey Federation Vs UOI & others, whereby Hon'ble high court has quashed the suspension and disaffiliation/de-recognition orders passed by Indian Olympic Association and Union of India, you are advised to not take further action with regard to holding of elections till the entire matter is examined in consultation with the Ministry of Law," said the letter sent by an under secretary in the sports ministry.