In a decisive move to ensure governance stability in Indian sports, the Supreme Court on Thursday mandated the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) administrator, former judge SP Garg, to relinquish control to the federation’s elected governing body by February 11. This directive comes as part of the preparation for the upcoming Asian Kabaddi Championship slated for February 20-25 in Iran.
The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, acknowledged the complexities involved but stressed the necessity of transitioning from an ad hoc administration to formal leadership. This shift aims to support the players’ participation in the international event and affirm the federation’s commitment to effective governance.
While appreciating the contributions of SP Garg during his tenure as administrator, the justices clarified that transferring authority does not imply an endorsement of the body elected in December 2023. The court’s focus remains on ensuring that the federation operates with a legitimate and recognized leadership structure.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, informed the court of positive developments in discussions with the International Kabaddi Federation, indicating that the suspension of the AKFI would likely be lifted in light of the new elected body’s establishment. This reinstatement is crucial for the federation’s international standing and the ability of Indian teams to compete on global platforms.
The Supreme Court’s intervention follows a plea by national Kabaddi players Priyanka and Pooja, who sought assurance that the AKFI, currently unaffiliated by the International Kabaddi Federation, would send a team to the championship in Iran. On February 4, the court emphasized the need for “strong measures” to restore purity, fairness, autonomy, and independence to Indian sports federations, aiming to dismantle long-standing monopolies and vested interests.
