The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has said that Government has formulated the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 (NSDCI), which inter-alia, contains instructions for ushering good governance and transparency in the functioning of the National Sports Federations (NSFs) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). These instructions were challenged by the IOA in the Delhi High Court vide WP No.2310/2012 in which the authority/powers of the Government to frame such instructions were also questioned. The Division Bench of Delhi High Court passed an elaborate order on 9.5.14 upholding the authority of the Union Government to lay down instructions/laws for the sports bodies and dismissed the WP filed by the IOA. As these provisions were upheld by Hon'ble High Court of Delhi in its order dated 9.5.14, these are binding on all NSFs. Since sports is a State subject, suitable instructions/law need to be promulgated by the State Governments as well to enforce the provisions of the NSDCI in order to bring about good governance and transparency in the functioning of all the State and District-level Associations. This step is considered necessary for raising the level of sports in the country. Therefore, all the State and Union Territory Governments have been requested to take immediate steps to promote good governance and transparency in the functioning of State and District-level Associations by issuing suitable instructions or by framing appropriate legislations. It is for the Government of States/Union Territories to take action in the matter.
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