Indian Olympic Association| Constitution Drafted By Justice Nageswara Rao Has Been Adopted : Centre To Supreme Court

As Mr. Mehra mentioned the matter, the Bench comprising Justices D.Y. Chandrachud, Hima Kolhi and J.B. Pardiwala took it on Board. The allegations made in the contempt petition was that the Indian Olympic Association has not complied with the order of the Apex Court dated 10.10.2022 wherein it had held that once the constitution of IOA has been drawn up by Justice L. Nageswara Rao, in consultation with the IOC and Olympic Council of Asia, it ought to be formally adopted by the General Assembly of IOA. Once the new constitution has been adopted & concurred by IOC, it shall be adopted by IOA-General Body under mandatory direction by this court.

As per the petitioner, the contempt arises from two alleged minutes of AGM of the IOA held on 10.11.2022. He alleged that the constitution prepared by Justice L. Nageswara Rao has been substantially altered by the General Body.

The Solicitor General of India, Mr. Tushar Mehta assured the Bench that the constitution as drawn up by Justice Rao be adopted. He further submitted that if any alterations are suggested by IOA they shall not be adopted without the permission of this court.

While disposing of the contempt petition the Bench made it clear that its order dated 10.10.2022 and the one dated 03.11.2022 which upholds the time-line for elections of IOA has to be 'scrupulously' followed.

The order categorically recorded -

"Communication dated 15.11.2022 from Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports clarifies that the very same constitution as drafted by Justice Rao has been adopted by IOA & any amendment will be implemented as per permission by this court."