The Delhi High Court on Wednesday said it might appoint a retired judge as the Returning Officer for the election of Hockey India in view of the controversy arising for appointments in the sports body.

Sports Minister MS Gill on Sunday questioned Hockey India's (HI) electoral college, and said a clear and transparent poll process is essential for its election.

The Hockey India election scheduled for February 7, and which has already generated a lot of controversies, was on Saturday deferred yet again because of a stay order from the Rajasthan High Court.

Money suddenly started flowing for the cash-strapped Indian hockey on Friday with the state governments of Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Assam collectively pledging Rs 2.5 crore for both the male and female players.

A K Mattoo's resignation as Hockey India president and treasurer of Commonwealth Games Organising Committee was on Monday accepted with "great reluctance", paving the way for new office-bearers to take over from the veteran administrator.