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A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued the directive during Tuesday’s proceedings. The court expressed frustration over the ongoing influx of applications from various state associations, many of which involve minor constitutional amendments or internal disputes stemming from factional power struggles within the sport's governing bodies.
Addressing Persistent Administrative Litigation
The judicial intervention follows years of oversight that began in 2014, leading to the implementation of a new BCCI constitution in August 2018 based on recommendations from the Justice R M Lodha committee. Despite subsequent amendments permitted by the Supreme Court in September 2022—which adjusted rules regarding the tenure of office bearers and cooling-off periods—the court continues to face a heavy volume of petitions related to the management of the organization.
The introduction of the NSG Act and its associated rules by the sports ministry in May 2024 aims to standardize the management of sports organizations and provide a structured framework for resolving disputes. By bringing the BCCI and its state affiliates under this legislative umbrella, the Supreme Court aims to transfer pending litigation to a specialized sports tribunal, thereby reducing the burden on the judicial system.
Implications of the National Sports Governance Act
Under the provisions of the NSG Act and its rules, a National Sports Board would serve as the primary regulatory authority. This body is tasked with the recognition of national sports federations and the strict monitoring of compliance regarding financial, ethical, and governance standards. Furthermore, the legislation outlines specific requirements for transparent election processes and the tenure limits for elected officials.
The Supreme Court has requested formal responses from the BCCI and the state associations to determine their position on adopting these governance standards. Should the cricket bodies agree to come under the purview of the Act, it would mark a significant shift in how the sport is administered and how internal conflicts are adjudicated moving forward.
