The Supreme Court of India, on Thursday, suggested the possibility of forming an inquiry commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the internal workings of sports federations, revealing that activities within these organizations extend beyond mere sports. Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh expressed this viewpoint while addressing a plea by two national Kabaddi players.
The bench remarked, “We are inclined to appoint a commission of inquiry for a deeper probe into the affairs of Kabaddi associations because other than sports activities all kinds of things are happening in these bodies. We also intend to then expand the scope of commission of inquiry to other sports associations.”
This statement came during a hearing that initially focused on the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and the International Kabaddi Federation, following previous court orders requesting views on a potential CBI investigation into these bodies.
Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj, representing the Centre, updated the court on the players’ participation in a tournament in Iran following the court’s directive on February 4. The players returned successfully, clinching a gold medal. Regarding the ongoing discussions about a CBI probe, Nataraj requested an additional two weeks to finalize the modalities.
The court also addressed the broader implications for all state and international sports associations, hinting at potential dissolution if deemed necessary after the inquiries. It welcomed the intervention applications from various former and current players, who may offer insights into the operation of these sports bodies, and rescheduled the next hearing for four weeks later.
Earlier in February, the court had directed AKFI’s administrator and former judge S P Garg to transfer governance back to its elected body to ensure players’ participation in the upcoming sporting event in Iran.
Additionally, the justices underscored the need for effective investigative mechanisms, suggesting that the Director of the CBI collaborate with international agencies such as INTERPOL for a comprehensive domestic and international probe.
The court is also seeking to ensure that athletes, such as the Kabaddi players, have the opportunity to participate in international competitions, highlighting the broader implications of federation affiliations on the global stage.
The case was initially brought forth by Kabaddi players Priyanka and Pooja, who are pushing for AKFI’s re-affiliation by the international body to ensure their participation in international events, including the Asian Kabaddi Championship. Two former players, both Arjuna Awardees, have also intervened, providing the court with detailed accounts of the AKFI’s operations through their counsel, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan.
