BREAKING: Supreme Court asks Committee of Administrators not to take over Indian Olympic Association

Read Time: 04 minutes

Synopsis

A Division Bench of Delhi High Court yesterday directed CoA to take over the Indian Olympic Association as the elections were over due. It is to be noted that FIFA recently suspended All India Football Federation for the same reason. 

A Supreme Court bench headed by the Chief Justice of India and comprising Justice Ravikumar today ordered a status quo on Delhi High Court's order appointing a Committee of Administrators (CoA) to run the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Court clarified that the CoA should not take over the administration of IOA. 

The Delhi High Court yesterday appointed a committee of administrators (CoA) to run the IOA in order to bring its constitution to comply with the National Sports Code since IOA's elections have been delayed.

According to the Hindustan Times, a bench of justices Manmohan and Najmi Waziri observed that all National Sports Federations (NSFs) should comply with the sports code and the International Olympic Committee’s Charter, failing which they will be de-recognised and all monetary benefits and other facilities will be stopped immediately.

Today, in Supreme Court, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the matter before the bench and informed the court that the constitution of CoA will be considered an outside interference by the apex olympic body and may lead to suspension of IOA. The CJI, on considering the urgency of the issue, informed him that the matter will be heard at the end of the board. 

When the matter was called for hearing, SG submitted that IOA is a unit of the international body and as per its rules, if IOA is represented by a non-elected body, it will be treated as a third party interference.

SG argued that if and when the CoA takes over, there is a high chance of India being suspended from olympic events. It was further submitted that it is a matter national prestige at global level. 

Court took into consideration his submission and directed the parties to maintain status quo. It further clarified that the charge will not be handed over to the CoA. The matter has now been directed to be listed before an appropriate bench on Monday.