SC considers forming inquiry panel for deeper probe into sports bodies
text_fields
New Delhi: On Thursday, the Supreme Court suggested the possibility of forming an inquiry commission to conduct a "deeper probe" into the operations of sports associations across the country. The court expressed concerns that activities beyond sporting endeavours were taking place within these organisations.
The matter was being heard by a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, following a plea from two national Kabaddi players. Previously, the court had sought opinions on initiating a CBI investigation into the affairs of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) and the International Kabaddi Federation.
"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 the commission of inquiry to other sports associations," the bench said.
Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj, representing the Centre, shared that, following the Supreme Court's order on February 4, the players were sent to participate in a tournament in Iran, where they achieved victory and secured gold medals.
As far as the CBI probe is concerned, Nataraj said, modalities were being worked out.
He sought two more weeks to work on it, following which the bench said it will enquire into the affairs of all state and international sports associations in the country and dissolve them if a need arises.
The Supreme Court permitted intervention applications from both former and current players to provide suggestions on improving the functioning of sports associations and the scope of the investigation. The court scheduled the next hearing for four weeks later.
On February 6, the court directed S P Garg, the AKFI administrator and former judge, to transfer control to the elected governing body to facilitate player participation in a sporting event set to begin on February 20 in Iran.
The top court was hearing the plea of Priyanka and Pooja seeking direction to AKFI – unaffiliated by the International Kabaddi Federation – for sending them to Asian Kabaddi Championship.
It previously directed the Centre to explore diplomatic channels for the resolution of the conflict over the recognition of the sports associations, most urgently the Kabaddi Federation of India.
"The director, CBI, would suggest an investigation mechanism for effective domestic and international probes, with the assistance of international investigating agencies such as INTERPOL, into the affairs of the sports federation," it said.
The Supreme Court has sought clarity on measures to ensure Kabaddi players and other athletes can participate in international competitions, including the Asian Kabaddi Championship in Iran.
The International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) had de-affiliated the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) in July last year, preventing Kabaddi teams from taking part in several global events.
Two women players approached the court, requesting the Centre to take steps to restore AKFI's affiliation. Additionally, two former players, both Arjuna Awardees, intervened in the case and informed the court about AKFI's affairs through their counsel, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan.
(inputs from PTI)