Other Sports

Neutral Person to be appointed, says SC in light of final IOC warning

Rahul Naresh Rahul Naresh

The International Olympic Committe (IOC) dealt a final warning on September 8, 2022, to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and threatened the nation’s suspension if elections were not completed by December 2022.

The threat came after the IOC observed the IOA’s lack of ability to resolve its “governance issues”. 

The IOC decided not to recognise any interim president and maintained its point of contact with the secretary general Rajeev Mehta.  

The IOA’s governance issues began with elections that were due to be held in December last year but could not be completed due to amendments in the poll process. A six-member committee was set up to ensure that the IOA constitution remained in line with the laws of India, thus furthering the election process.

The parties went over the governance issues previously in July 2022. Acting president Anil Khanna called the warning issued by the IOC to suspend the IOA for not conducting elections a premature one. He then requested a reasonable opportunity to ensure that the IOA constitution remained in line with Indian law. He further claimed that his appointment was made in accordance with the laws of India. However, the IOA failed to complete its elections, which have now been due for over nine months. 

As a result of the failure to conduct elections on the part of the IOA, the IOC warned the governing body, stating that elections must be completed before the next meeting of the Executive Committee. 

To tackle the issue, the Supreme Court on Monday heard suggestions from the Solicitor General, who stated that a retired judge needed to prepare an electoral college and conduct elections for the IOA, while a neutral person also needed to be appointed to look after the IOA’s administrative affairs.

The bench further suggested that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports converse with the IOC Director of Olympic Solidarity and NOC Relations. To facilitate such interactions, the IOC suggested a joint meeting on September 27, 2022, in Lausanne. 

Repercussions of poor governance are already on display, as the IOC session due to take place in Mumbai in May has been postponed to later in the year. A suspension looms over the IOA in case elections do not occur at the earliest this time. 

The approach to this case will be further discussed on September 22, when the apex court takes up the matter. 

Neutral Person to be appointed, says SC ahead of final warning issued by the IOC
Share this article
Rahul Naresh

Rahul Naresh

I am a sports enthusiast who writes and makes videos primarily on cricket and football. Apart from these sports, I've worked on content surrounding basketball, tennis, and badminton, among other disciplines.

Follow the author’s social media

Leave a Reply

The value is incorrect

The value is incorrect

The value is incorrect

Something went wrong. Please, try again later

Your comment has been sent!

Latest from

Milind Soman roped in as JBG Kolkata World 10K 2024 brand ambassador

Milind Soman roped in as JBG Kolkata World 10K 2024 brand ambassador

National fitness icon Milind Soman has been unveiled as the official brand ambassador of the ninth edition of JBG Kolkata World 10K.

Manu Bhaker Golden Bullet

Manu Bhaker strikes a deal with Golden Bullet

Mumbai-based tools manufacturer Golden Bullet has roped in Manu Bhaker as a brand ambassador. More details inside.

India’s performance at the Paris Paralympics 2024

India’s performance at Paris Paralympics 2024

Here's an overview of India's performance at the recently-concluded 2024 Paris Paralympics. Written by Neha Johri.