Ex SC Judge Justice L Nageswara Rao appointed to finalise AIFF's draft constitution

The official draft is to be presented on the 31st of July, along with a comprehensive report.

The Supreme Court on the 2nd of May, asked former apex court Judge Justice L Nageswara Rao, to finalise the constitution of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), and prepare a comprehensive report by July 31. This decision was made after taking into account the various objections that were raised regarding the previous draft.

The disapprovals were raised by various stakeholders of the AIFF, including the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and sports bodies in the country.

The verdict of the Bench

Upon hearing the parties concerned, the Bench composed of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice J.B. Pardiwala said the objections to the draft constitution by various stakeholders will be assessed and taken care of by Justice Nageswara.

“We are of the view that it will be appropriate to defer this exercise [of finalising the constitution] since these are not issues of law but matters of policy dealing with running sport of football in India. Bearing in mind that the case of Indian Olympic Association was handled by Justice L.N. Rao, we entrust Justice Rao with the task of formulating the AIFF constitution. We request him to take the draft constitution prepared and finalise a report. In finalising the report Justice Rao is requested to hear all stakeholders," the court said (source).

The Prime objections that were raised

Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India, Mr. Gopal Sankaranarayanan informed the bench regarding the four major objections, and said:

"There are four major objections. One is player inclusion in the general body, league and how it should be run. Then the question of how the Sports Code should apply to the state associations. Then disqualification of public servants, and then some amendments to the constitution."