Can rules for dispute settlement with AIBA be made: HC to govt

The Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to decide within three months whether there should be a specific provision for dispute settlement with international sports bodies like Amateur International Boxing Association (AIBA).
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath asked the sports department to decide the issue after a plea was filed for direction to incorporate an arbitration clause in the rules and the regulations of the national sports federations so that appeal can be filed against the decisions of international sports bodies.
"Though no mandamus can be issued to the Respondent No. 1 (Centre) to incorporate such provision for remedy of appeal to Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) against the decisions of the international sports bodies, in the light of the facts and circumstances that have been brought to our notice...

"... We deem it appropriate to direct the Centre to consider the contents of this petition as a representation and take an appropriate decision in accordance with law after giving an opportunity of personal hearing to petitioner, senior advocate Rajiv Dutta to substantiate his plea that it is essential to ensure incorporation of a specific provision for dispute settlement with International sports bodies. The needful may be done within three months from today," the court said.
The court passed the order while disposing of a plea challenging boxer Laisram Sarita Devi's suspension in October 2014 by AIBA for refusing to accept the bronze medal at the Asian Games in South Korea.

Apart from challenging the AIBA decision, the petition had also sought formulation of clear guidelines for dispute settlement with international sports bodies.
This relief was sought as the Indian Olympic Association and Boxing India had not challenged the decision of AIBA in Sarita's case.
Sarita, who had refused to accept the medal to protest against her controversial semifinal bout loss, was banned retrospectively from October 1, 2014 to October 1, 2015.