National Sports Tribunal: Sports Ministry invites applications for two member posts by 18 June

The Sports Ministry on Wednesday (June 3) began steps to set up the National Sports Tribunal. The ministry invited applications to fill two member posts.

Applications must reach the ministry by June 18. The planned tribunal is meant to decide sports-related disputes in India. It is expected to reduce pressure on civil courts.

A circular issued by joint secretary sports Kunal said the Tribunal will be based in the national capital. The government has not yet stated the Tribunal’s total strength. The ministry said the body will handle disputes linked to sports governance and administration. Once operational, its orders can only be challenged in the Supreme Court.

National Sports Tribunal selection process

The Sports Ministry said eligible applicants must be people of eminence in public life. Candidates should have strong knowledge and experience in sports and law. The ministry also listed public administration experience as a requirement. Applications were invited for membership of the Tribunal under these conditions. The Tribunal is being planned as a dedicated dispute forum.

Selection will be done by a Search-cum-Selection Committee led by the Chief Justice of India. The head can also be a Supreme Court judge named by the CJI. The Sports Secretary will be part of the panel. The Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice will also join the committee.

The committee will review applications and judge each candidate’s qualifications and experience. It will also assess suitability for the role. The ministry said shortlisted applicants will be called for a personal interaction. Final recommendations will follow an overall evaluation. The panel will consider performance during the personal interaction as well.

National Sports Tribunal powers and digital rules

Rules for the NST include techno-legal measures for digital functioning. The rules provide for implementation through a dedicated portal. The Tribunal is expected to have powers similar to a civil court. The ministry said this should support quicker handling of disputes. It is also meant to make the process more cost-efficient.

The ministry said the Tribunal aims to limit dependence on civil courts. It is meant to provide independent and speedy decisions in sports matters. According to the Sports Ministry, over 350 cases are pending across courts. The disputes include selection issues and election matters. The ministry said these cases disrupt athletes and NSFs.

The notification also set conditions for serving judges who may be appointed. If a Chairperson or member is a serving Supreme Court judge, resignation is required. A serving High Court judge must also resign or take voluntary retirement. This must happen before joining the Tribunal. The ministry is continuing the appointment process for the two vacancies.

With inputs from PTI