CJI Khanna Recuses Himself From Hearing Pleas Connecting IOA, AIFF Constitutions

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna stepped aside from hearing 2 cases concerning the finalization of the constitutions for the Indian Olympic Association and the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

These constitutions were drafted under the guidance of former Supreme Court judge, Justice L Nageswara Rao.

At the start of the proceedings, CJI Khanna, accompanied by Justice Sanjay Kumar, cited a previous involvement in one of the cases during his time at the Delhi High Court as the reason for his recusal. “These matters should now be listed before a bench led by Justice PS Narasimha on February 10. I recall addressing this issue at the Delhi High Court,” he remarked.

Case History

Earlier, on March 19, 2024, a bench led by then Chief Justice DY Chandrachud heard the matter and permitted AIFF to file its objections to the draft constitution proposed by Justice Rao.

“The amicus curiae will update the chart to reflect the objections submitted by AIFF,” the bench had directed. The court also noted that it would address unresolved issues regarding the constitutions of both the IOA and AIFF at the next hearing.

This ongoing legal process highlights the complexities surrounding governance reforms in Indian sports bodies. The proposed constitutions aim to improve transparency, efficiency, and adherence to international standards. However, objections from stakeholders, including AIFF, have delayed the finalization.

The case is now set to be heard by a bench headed by Justice PS Narasimha. The legal fraternity expects that the outcome will provide much-needed clarity and pave the way for improved governance in sports administration. Experts note that the decision could serve as a precedent for future reforms in India’s sports ecosystem.

CJI Khanna’s recusal underscores the judiciary’s commitment to impartiality, particularly in cases where prior involvement could lead to a perceived conflict of interest. With the upcoming hearing, significant progress is anticipated in addressing the concerns raised by key stakeholders. This development is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring robust governance structures for national sports federations.

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