New Delhi: The Sports Ministry on Wednesday initiated the process of constituting the National Sports Tribunal for adjudication and resolution of sporting disputes in the country by inviting applications for two vacancies, setting June 18 as the deadline for submission.
In a circular issued by joint secretary (sports) Kunal, applications have been invited for membership of the Tribunal, which would be headquartered in the national capital.
“Eligible candidates should be persons of eminence in public life possessing wide knowledge and experience in sports, public administration, and law,” stated the notification.
The selection process will be carried out by a Search-cum-Selection Committee headed by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge, designated by the CJI.
It will also include the Sports Secretary and the Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice.
“The Committee will scrutinise applications and assess candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the position. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for personal interaction,” the ministry stated.
The final recommendation for appointment will be made on the basis of the overall evaluation of candidates, taking into account their qualifications, experience, and performance during the personal interaction.
The Tribunal’s total strength has not been specified by the government as yet. The rules for NST, however, have incorporated the provisions for techno-legal measures to ensure “digital implementation” through a dedicated portal.
Once in operation, the Tribunal’s orders would only be challengeable in the Supreme Court.
“It is aimed at reducing reliance on civil courts and ensuring independent, speedy, effective and cost-efficient disposal of disputes relating to sports governance and administration,” the ministry has stated.
If the appointed Chairperson or member of the Tribunal is a serving judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court, “he shall either resign or obtain voluntary retirement from his parent service before joining the Tribunal.”
According to the Sports Ministry, over 350 cases are currently in progress in various courts of the country over issues ranging from selection to election, significantly hampering the progress of athletes and NSFs.
The setting up of a National Sports Tribunal promises to end this for good as it would have “all the powers of a civil court.”
