India’s sporting landscape may soon undergo a major transformation with the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024. If passed, athletes and officials will no longer take their disputes to courts directly. Instead, they will first approach a newly proposed Appellate Sports Tribunal. This tribunal, modelled on the international Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), is designed to handle disputes related to sports selection and administration. Only after receiving the Tribunal’s decision can aggrieved parties escalate the issue to the Supreme Court.
Tribunal to ease Court burdens
Over the years, athletes have often sought legal recourse before major events, challenging selection processes or other administrative decisions in High Courts. With six national sports federations facing court cases in October 2024 alone, the bill proposes a tribunal that would take over such disputes. As per Section 29 of the bill, all pending court cases related to sports will be transferred to this tribunal. It will either continue from the case’s current status or, in some cases, review it afresh.
The tribunal will have the authority to function as a civil court, making its decisions enforceable like a legal decree. If unsatisfied, appellants can challenge the tribunal’s verdict in the Supreme Court within 30 days.
Introducing the Sports Regulatory Board of India (SRBI)
One of the key proposals in the bill is the creation of the Sports Regulatory Board of India (SRBI). This body would oversee the governance of sports federations, ensuring transparency and accountability, thereby addressing long-standing criticisms that the current system under the Ministry of Sports lacks adequate enforcement of rules.
The board, headquartered in New Delhi, would regulate organisations like the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and various National Sports Federations (NSFs). It would be empowered to issue regulations ensuring fair play, ethical behaviour, and good governance, in line with global standards.
The board’s composition and member selection would be decided by the Central Government, based on recommendations from a selection committee. This committee will include high-ranking officials such as the Sports Secretary, the Director General of the Sports Authority of India, and other key figures in Indian sports.
Expanding access to leadership roles
The draft bill also opens doors for any Indian citizen above 25 years old to contest for leadership positions in sports federations. Currently, only individuals already holding positions within the system are eligible to run for top posts. Under the proposed bill, candidates will only need a proposer and seconder to enter the race for office, making leadership opportunities more accessible to a broader audience.
Safeguarding Transparency and Fair Play
To further promote transparency, the bill proposes the application of the Right to Information (RTI) Act to the NOC, NPC, and NSFs, except for certain matters. This ensures that these bodies will be held accountable as public authorities, with the Sports Regulatory Board responsible for overseeing their governance.
Additionally, the bill calls for the formation of Athletes Commissions in each federation, as well as a Sports Election Panel to oversee fair and transparent elections. These steps, along with the establishment of a Grievance Redressal Mechanism and safe sport policies, aim to ensure a more ethical and fair governance framework in Indian sports.
Final Provisions by Government’s sports bill
The bill also limits the tenure of office bearers, with a maximum of two consecutive terms of four years each. Additionally, no individual over the age of 70, or convicted of serious offences, will be allowed to contest for leadership positions.
With the government seeking public comments on the draft until October 25, the bill marks a potential turning point for Indian sports governance, promising greater accountability and fairness in managing sports federations.
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