The Supreme Court on Friday indicated it may set up a formal Commission of Inquiry to examine the governance and functioning of sports associations across India, with the power to dissolve any body found guilty of serious mismanagement.
A bench led by Justice Surya Kant, alongside Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, made clear that the move is directed solely at administrative bodies and will not affect individual athletes. “As far as sportspersons are concerned, nobody is touching them. They should keep themselves completely away from— they should focus on sports,” the Court emphasized during Friday’s hearing.
Background Of The case
The indication to appoint a Commission arose in the context of Priyanka and Pooja vs. Union of India and Others, a petition filed by two national-level kabaddi players, Priyanka and Pooja, who were denied clearance to participate in the Senior Asian Kabaddi Championship 2025, scheduled in Iran from February 20 to 25. Their eligibility was compromised after the International Kabaddi Federation suspended the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) due to the absence of an elected governing body.
Senior Advocate K. Parameswar, representing the athletes, expressed dismay at the “humiliation” suffered by the players and noted that an alternative association had since been constituted to facilitate their participation.
Court’s Observations
The Bench remarked that it was “inclined to appoint a Commission of Inquiry for a deeper probe into the affairs of Kabaddi Associations … give us some time, we will dissolve all these Associations.” The Justices reserved judgment to consider the establishment of the Commission, granting the Union of India two weeks to obtain instructions before the matter returns to the Court.
Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj—appearing for the Union—asked for the two‑week adjournment, after which the case will be listed for further hearing.
Broader Concerns Over Sports Governance
This is not the first instance in recent weeks that the Supreme Court has commented on the state of India’s sports bodies. On March 17, the Court observed that many associations were little more than “ailing bodies” bereft of genuine sporting activity. “All these sports associations, there is nothing like sports in them. All are ailing bodies, we do not know what they are grappling for,” the Bench had remarked.
Legal experts suggest that if the Commission is formalized, it could lead to sweeping reforms in electoral processes for office‑bearers, stricter compliance with transparency norms, and better athlete representation in decision‑making.
More Into The Case
The case has been adjourned for two weeks. In the meantime, athletes and administrators alike will be watching closely for the Supreme Court’s final decision on both granting relief to the petitioners and charting the future of sports governance in India
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
