National Sports Governance (National Sports Tribunal) Rules, 2026

Recently, the Union Government notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Tribunal) Rules, 2026.

• National Sports Tribunal – A quasi‑judicial body to adjudicate disputes related to National Sports Bodies.
• Aim – To lay down the structure, appointment process, powers, and service conditions for the Tribunal that will resolve sports‑related disputes.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• Parent Legislation – National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

National Sports Tribunal Rules, 2026

• Composition – Tribunal consists of a Chairperson and Members appointed under Section 17 of the Act.
• Selection Mechanism – Appointed by the Central Government from a panel recommended by the Search‑cum‑Selection Committee.
• Declaration of Interests – Chairperson and Members must annually declare assets, liabilities, and financial interests.
• Term of Office – Chairperson holds office for 5 years or till age 70; Members for 5 years or till age 67, whichever is earlier.
• Resignation – Chairperson or Member may resign by written notice to the Central Government.
• A Chairperson or Member continues in office for up to 3 months after giving notice, or until a successor takes charge, or until their term ends, whichever is earlier, unless the Government allows an earlier exit.
• Vacancy – Central Government must fill vacancies within one month of occurrence or three months before tenure ends.
• Removal of Members – The central government shall remove Chairperson or any Member if they are
  • Insolvent
  • Convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
  • Physically or mentally unfit or have conflicting financial interests.
• The Member must be given a chance to explain before action is taken.
• Residuary Provisions – Conditions not expressly covered shall follow Group ‘A’ service rules
• Other Conditions – Terms and conditions of the Chairperson or any Member with no express provisions will match those of a Group ‘A’ Government of India officer with the same pay.
• The Chairperson and the Members shall not –
  • Practice before the Tribunal, after retirement.
  • Take up arbitration work while serving in the Tribunal.
  • For two years after leaving office, accept jobs in or linked to any National Sports Body, committee, club, or association governed by the Act.
• Oath of Office & Secrecy – Mandatory before entering office.

Digital Governance

• Techno-Legal Implementation – Mandates a single-window electronic portal, notified by the Central Government, for submitting disputes, notices, responses, documents, and clarifications.
• Virtual Proceedings – Legally enables the Tribunal to conduct remote, virtual hearings and distribute communication electronically to ensure accessibility for athletes nationwide.
• Digital Archiving – Requires the digital publication of final orders and the electronic maintenance of all case records.

Powers of the Tribunal

• Judicial Powers – May issue orders or directions to meet ends of justice or prevent abuse of process.
• Interim Orders – Can grant injunctions or stays after hearing parties.
• Enforcement – Tribunal orders are executable as civil court decrees; final after appeal period expires.

References

• PIB | National Sports Tribunal Rules
• The Gazette of India | National Sports Tribunal Rules