Court Affirms Self-Governance of Independent Sports Bodies Not Recognized Under National Sports Governance Act, 2025
In a significant ruling reinforcing the autonomy of independent sports bodies, the Delhi High Court has dismissed the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) attempt to appoint an ad hoc committee to manage the affairs of Ski and Snowboard India. The decision, delivered by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, underscores the principle that sports federations registered independently under state laws retain governance over their own affairs unless recognized under specific national statutes.
The case stemmed from an office order dated October 13, 2023, issued by the President of the IOA, which sought to intervene in the operations of Ski and Snowboard India, a body registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960. The order intended to appoint a committee to oversee athlete selection and manage elections within the organization.
However, the court found that Article 17.5 of the IOA's rules does not extend authority to appoint committees for external bodies, but rather is confined to internal governance. The judgment emphasized that the IOA's governance documents are tailored for its own organizational structure and do not confer powers to alter the executive compositions of unrelated entities.
The court further clarified that the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and associated rules do not apply to Ski and Snowboard India, as it is neither recognized as a National Sports Federation nor a National Sports Body. This distinction highlights the limited jurisdiction of the IOA and the non-applicability of national sports governance laws to unrecognized entities.
Chief Justice Upadhyaya noted that the respondent's affairs should be directed by its own memorandum and by-laws, a sentiment echoed by the court’s reliance on a precedent set in Bihar Olympic Association v. President Indian Olympic Association. The ruling also included procedural directions for Ski and Snowboard India to conduct its elections independently, with costs to be borne by the organization itself.
This judgment reinforces the legal framework governing sports federations in India, affirming their independence unless expressly integrated into the national governance system. It underscores the necessity for sports bodies to seek formal recognition if they wish to be governed under the National Sports Governance Act's provisions.
The ruling concludes with a modification of the single judge’s order regarding election expenses, assigning the financial responsibility to Ski and Snowboard India, rather than the IOA.
Bottom Line:
Indian Olympic Association cannot appoint an ad hoc committee to manage the affairs of an independent sports body registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, nor can it replace the executive committee of such a body.
Statutory provision(s): Indian Olympic Association Rules and Regulations Article 17.5, National Sports Governance Act, 2025, Karnataka Societies Registration Act, 1960, National Sports Development Code of India, 2011
