Govt issues rules for sports dispute tribunal, governance board

The Sports Ministry on Tuesday notified the operational rules for the soon-to-be-constituted National Sports Tribunal (NST) and National Sports Board (NSB), paving the way for a dedicated institutional framework to regulate sports governance and adjudicate disputes in the country.The notifications, issued by the Sports Ministry under the National Sports Governance Act passed last year, outline the structure, functions and digital mechanisms for the two bodies. According to ministry a search-cum-selection committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary is currently being formed to appoint members to the bodies.
The National Sports Tribunal will function as a specialised adjudicatory authority for sports-related disputes, with the government emphasising that the mechanism is aimed at reducing dependence on civil courts and ensuring faster and cost-effective resolution of conflicts involving sports governance and administration.The rules for the Tribunal incorporate provisions for “digital implementation”, including the creation of a dedicated online portal for filing disputes, notices, responses, documents and clarifications. The portal will also facilitate virtual hearings, publication of orders and maintenance of legal records related to proceedings.“(These include) notification of a dedicated portal by the Central Government for submission of disputes, notices, responses, documents and clarifications, as well as communication from the Tribunal, publication of orders, virtual hearings and maintenance of records related to proceedings and orders,” the ministry stated.
According to agency reports, while the government has not specified the strength of the Tribunal, it clarified that if the appointed Chairperson or member is a serving judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, the individual must either resign or opt for voluntary retirement from parent service before assuming office in the Tribunal.The National Sports Board, meanwhile, will serve as the apex authority for granting recognition to National Sports Bodies and ensuring adherence to governance, financial and ethical standards.The Board will comprise a Chairperson and two members, with a tenure of three years. An upper age limit of 65 years has been prescribed for members.Apart from granting affiliation to sports bodies, the NSB will maintain a roster of the National Sports Election Panel and a register of affiliate units of recognised National Sports Bodies.The Board has also been empowered to frame model guidelines and regulations related to sports governance, strengthening oversight and accountability in the administration of sports federations across the country.