Delhi High Court Disposes PIL Alleging Irregularities In 'Special Olympics Bharat', Directs Compliance Of National Sports Code In Elections

The Delhi High Court has asked Special Olympics Bharat to ensure strict compliance with National Sports Development Code, 2011, for all upcoming elections of office-bearers at national and state level.

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula also asked the national sports federation to comply with the Code for the selection of sportspersons and national coaches for upcoming Special Olympic World Games, 2025.

Special Olympics Bharat is a National Sports Federation recognized by Union Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs. It is entrusted with the responsibility to select and provide appropriate training to sportspersons with intellectual disabilities for representation in Special Olympic World Games.

The bench appreciated the “incredible accomplishments” of athletes that represented India in the Special Olympics World Games, 2023, which was held in Berlin “under the able and commendable guidance of Special Olympics Bharat.”

“The athletes representing India finished their campaign with 200 medals (77 gold, 71 silver and 52 bronze). While the respect and appreciation accorded to Olympic medallists is abundant and deservedly so, the accomplishments of athletes with intellectual disabilities and the efforts of bodies like SOB that dedicatedly work towards their goals are sadly, often forgotten,” the court said.

The bench was dealing with a public interest litigation highlighting the irregularities in the functioning of the sports federation.

It was alleged that there were irregularities and favouritism in the selection of sportspersons for Special Olympics World Games and in the appointment of office-bearers, specifically the Chairman, CEO, National Sports Director and the National Coach.

The court noted that the Special Olympics Bharat, in its affidavit, submitted that it has formulated guidelines for selection as per the National Sports Code.

The court perused the sports federation’s “Selection Guidelines for Special Olympics Bharat, 2018” and On said that it has been formulated in accordance with the requirements of the National Sports Code.

“In light of these positive developments that have taken place during the pendency of these proceedings, this Court is of the opinion that the issues raised by the Petitioner in the present PIL have been substantively resolved by SOB,” the court said while disposing of the plea.

Advocate Gautam Narayan appeared as Amicus Curiae, along with Advocates Asmita Singh, Harshit Goel and Siddhant Singh.

Title: VIJAY KUMAR PANDEY AND ANR. v. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 1104

Click Here To Read Order