Delhi High Court Overturns IOA President’s Decision on Bihar Olympic Association
In a major legal development, the Delhi High Court has nullified the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President’s directive to establish a five-member Ad-Hoc Committee for managing the Bihar Olympic Association. The court ruled that the decision did not adhere to legal standards and therefore could not be upheld.
Court Questions Legal Validity of Ad-Hoc Committee
Justice Sachin Datta, while delivering the judgment, stated that the IOA President’s move to form an Ad-Hoc Committee lacked legal justification. The court determined that such an action was not supported by statutory provisions, making it unsustainable.
With this ruling, the order issued on January 1, 2025, has been revoked. The court emphasized that sports bodies must function within the framework of established laws and regulations to ensure fair administration.
Bihar Olympic Association to Align with National Sports Code
During the proceedings, the Bihar Olympic Association assured the court that it would take swift action to amend its Constitution. This amendment aims to align the association’s framework with the IOA Constitution and the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.
The High Court instructed the Bihar Olympic Association to complete the necessary reforms and hold elections for its Executive Committee within three months. Failure to do so could lead to further legal consequences.
Impact of the Judgment
This decision reinforces the principle that sports governance in India must adhere to legal norms. The ruling also sets a precedent for ensuring that sports bodies operate within a transparent and accountable framework. The Bihar Olympic Association is now tasked with making the required constitutional changes and conducting elections within the stipulated timeframe.
