Supreme Court Proposes Inquiry Commission Amid Allegations Against National Sports Federations
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has suggested the formation of an inquiry commission to delve into the operations of national sports federations. This move follows growing concerns over mismanagement, lack of transparency, and allegations of individuals treating these bodies as personal fiefdoms.
Background
The suggestion for an inquiry commission emerged during the hearing of a petition filed by two national Kabaddi players, Priyanka and Pooja. The players sought the court’s intervention to facilitate their participation in the Senior Asian Kabaddi Championship scheduled in Iran. Their plea highlighted the issues within the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), which had been under the administration of retired Justice S.P. Garg since 2018.
Supreme Court’s Observations
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh expressed serious concerns about the functioning of national sports bodies. Justice Kant remarked that certain individuals have monopolized these federations, treating them as their private entities. The court emphasized the need for reforms to ensure that sports federations operate with autonomy, fairness, and transparency.
The bench also noted the necessity of holding timely elections within these bodies to prevent any single individual or group from maintaining control indefinitely. In this context, the court proposed the establishment of a high-powered committee to oversee the electoral processes and ensure democratic functioning within sports federations.
Role of the CBI
To address the allegations of mismanagement and corruption, the Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to devise an effective mechanism for investigating the affairs of sports federations. The court also suggested the involvement of international agencies like INTERPOL to assist in the probe, especially in cases involving international affiliations and operations.
The CBI has been tasked with examining the financial and administrative practices of these federations to uncover any irregularities or malpractices that may have hindered the development of sports in the country.
Implications for the Kabaddi Federation
The issues within the AKFI have been a focal point in this case. The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) had de-affiliated AKFI in July of the previous year, citing governance issues. This de-affiliation barred Indian Kabaddi teams from participating in several international events, including the Asian Championship in Iran.
In response to the players’ petition, the Supreme Court intervened and directed that the charge of AKFI be handed over to the elected governing body formed in December 2023. This decision was made to facilitate India’s participation in the upcoming championship. However, the court clarified that this move was an ad-hoc arrangement and did not signify official recognition of the elected body.
Future Outlook
The Supreme Court’s proposed inquiry commission signifies a pivotal step towards reforming the governance of national sports federations in India. By addressing issues of mismanagement and lack of transparency, the court aims to restore credibility and ensure that these bodies serve the interests of athletes and the development of sports in the country.
The involvement of the CBI and international agencies in the investigation underscores the seriousness with which the court is approaching this matter. The outcomes of this inquiry could lead to significant changes in the administration of sports federations, promoting a more transparent and athlete-centric approach.