Delhi High Court Allows Disbursement Of Funds To NSFs For Participation In Events, Training Sportspersons
The Delhi High Court has allowed the Union Government to disburse funds to the National Sports Federations (NSFs) for participation of Indian sportspersons in international events, conduct of national and international events here, training and preparation of athletes.A division bench comprising of former Chief Justice Manmohan (now Supreme Court judge) and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said that...
The Delhi High Court has allowed the Union Government to disburse funds to the National Sports Federations (NSFs) for participation of Indian sportspersons in international events, conduct of national and international events here, training and preparation of athletes.
A division bench comprising of former Chief Justice Manmohan (now Supreme Court judge) and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said that it cannot be doubted that holding International Sports events would bring great laurels not only to the country but also to each of the participating sports persons and sports in general.
“…. it appears that a fine balance has to be struck between the aspirations of this country to hold the world's prestigious Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2036 with the aspirations of the domestic sports persons who vie to participate in such international sports events and gain recognition worldwide,” the Court said.
It added that for such an endeavour, the ground work of selection, training of sportspersons and expenditure on purchase of sports equipments etc. have to commence at the earliest.
The bench added two members to an existing five-member committee who will be responsible for overseeing the disbursement of funds to the NSFs.
The two members are Injeti Srinivas and Mr.Ashish Wadhawan, Chartered Accountant.
“This Court directs the respondent to file quarterly financial statements before this Court so as to ensure transparency in accounts and disbursement of funds,” the Court said.
The bench was dealing with an application seeking disbursement of the funds to the NSFs through the Committee. which was constituted in April last year for, two years or enactment of National Sports Governance Bill, whichever is earlier.
The application was moved in a pending petition filed by Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra in 2020 seeking compliance by NSFs with the Sports Code and orders passed by the courts.
Title: Rahul Mehra v. Union of India
Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Del) 1325