CJI Sanjiv Khanna recuses himself from hearing pleas on AIFF and IOA constitutions

Sanjiv Khanna clarified his decision earlier.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna on Monday recused himself from hearing two separate pleas regarding the finalisation of constitutions for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Both constitutions had been framed by former Supreme Court judge, Justice L Nageswara Rao.

At the beginning of the proceedings, the CJI, seated alongside Justice Sanjay Kumar, clarified his decision to step aside, citing his prior involvement in one of the matters during his tenure at the Delhi High Court.

“Let the pleas come before another bench headed by Justice PS Narasimha on February 10. I remember hearing this in Delhi High Court,” said CJI Khanna, directing that the cases be reassigned to a bench led by Justice PS Narasimha for February 10.

The matters were last heard on March 19, 2024, by a bench headed by then CJI DY Chandrachud, which permitted the AIFF to raise objections to the draft constitution prepared by Justice Rao. During that hearing, the court also instructed the amicus curiae to update the relevant documents to reflect AIFF’s concerns.

The bench had indicated its intent to address unresolved issues concerning the constitutions of both the IOA and the AIFF in future hearings. These cases are significant for ensuring governance reforms in Indian sports bodies, a matter of national interest.

In September 2022, the Supreme Court entrusted former Justice L. Nageswara Rao with overseeing key reforms in the governance of sports bodies. His responsibilities included amending the constitutions, preparing electoral rolls, and conducting executive elections for organizations like the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

The IOA had previously contested a Delhi High Court decision that handed over its administration to a Committee of Administrators (CoA). This move aligned with a Supreme Court directive issued in the All India Football Federation (AIFF) vs. Rahul Mehra case.

Similarly, the AIFF sought judicial approval for its final draft constitution after Justice Rao was appointed in 2023 to guide the process. This development was aimed at implementing structural changes and streamlining the governance of Indian sports organizations.

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