Lodha Reforms For All Sports Bodies: SC Seeks Centre, SAI, IOC’s Replies [Read Petition]

The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre, Sports Authority of India and Indian Olympic Association on a public interest litigation for extending Lodha reforms to all sports associations.

A bench comprising Chief Justice JS Khehar, Justice NV Ramana and Justice DY Chndrachud was hearing a petition filed by eminent sports personalities like Bishan Singh Bedi, Ashwini Nachappa, Kirti Azad, Pravin Thipsay, Jwala Gutta etc.

The petitioners, 28 in number, including Arjuna awardees, Dhrona awardees, and Olympians, contended that incorporating such recommendations within the body of the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, will ensure that national sports federations and also their respective state entities function transparently, and it will ensure the ultimate goal of good governance of national sports federations, and in the larger interests of the nation.

The petition filed through Advocate Amit A Pai submitted that there were several instances of mismanagement and corruption in various national sports federations. Further, instances of sexual harassment also caused women and girls to be discouraged from participating in sporting activities, they contended.

The Lodha committee had recommended sweeping reforms in the management and governance of cricket in the country, majority of which were accepted by the Supreme Court. Read key recommendations made by Justice Lodha committee here.

Read the petition here.

This article has been made possible because of financial support from Independent and Public-Spirited Media Foundation.