NHRC Issues Notice: National Sports Federations Not Having Internal Complaints Committee

The National Human Rights Commission, India has recently taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that there is no Internal Complaints Committee in the Wrestling Federation of India(WFI) as authorized by the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act, 2013.

Apparently, the wrestling body is not the only one that has an appropriate constituted ICC. There are as many as 15 out of 30 National Sports Federations who don’t meet this mandatory requirement.

Therefore, the Commission observed that the contents of the media report, if true, amount to a law violation, and also a matter of concern where it may impact the legal right & dignity of the sports persons.

Furthermore, it has issued notices to the (i) Secretary, Department of Sports, Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, (ii) the Board Of Control For Cricket In India, BCCI, (iii) the Sports Authority of India (iv) Wrestling Federation of India, and all the 15 other National Sports Federations of Handball, Volleyball, Basketball, Weightlifting, Yachting, Gymnastics, Table Tennis, Billiards & Snooker, Kayaking & Canoeing, Judo, Squash, Triathlon, Kabaddi, Badminton, Archery, that are mentioned as per in the news report.

Thus, they have been asked to submit precise reports within a time period of 4 weeks including the present status of the ICC in their organization as well as the steps taken or proposed to be taken to address the issue.

According to the media report, on 4th May, 2023 the five Federations, including Wrestling Federation, didn’t even have an ICC. It is also stated that one Federation had 2 panels but neither had an independent member.