Union of India reveal stance in AIFF draft constitution case in Supreme Court

The SC bench heard the observations of the Union of India and few final comments in the recent hearing in the matter.

The observations from the Union of India, represented by Solicitor General of India KM Natraj, regarding the proposed changes in the draft constitution for the All India Football Federation (AIFF) were heard by the Supreme Court of India on April 29.

The apex court heard Mr. Natraj’s observations on all the recent proceedings over the AIFF draft constitution held in front of the bench consisting of Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi.

Apart from hearing all the observations, there were some final comments made by lawyers representing the FSDL (Football Sports Development Limited) and the AIFF. The SC bench is set to continue hearing the arguments in the case on April 30 at 3 PM.

⚖️ AIFF Draft Constitution case — hopefully final hearing tomorrow @KhelNow Today, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi, heard arguments from the Union of India and final comments from FSDL and AIFF. Key points discussed: •…

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) April 29, 2025

The Union of India wants Sports Code to be followed by AIFF

Mr. Natraj argued that every sports body, even AIFF, should conform to the Sports Code for administrative functioning and protecting player interests. The Solicitor General of India also called for the percolation of strong and efficient sports administrators into the system as a preface to his arguments.

He stated, “Now, one thing kindly I would like to, India has already started the process of bringing the 2036 Olympics into India, which is by way of the negotiation. And we have to make some kind of international sports lobbying has to be done. We have to garner the support from different countries…So, for that purpose, we need efficient sports administrators. They have to percolate into the system.”

While sharing his observations about disqualification events from the draft constitution prepared by Justice Nageswara Rao, Mr. Natraj argued, “Mere framing of charges does not make somebody disentitled to hold any kind of office…Presumption of innocence is always there and especially in these kind of bodies or in a public life, just because some charges are framed, you can’t disqualify somebody.”

The SC bench agreed with Mr. Natraj’s observation while stating, “You can’t disqualify someone merely on conviction, there must be sentencing.”

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Observations regarding promotion and relegation

The hearing also witnessed senior counsel Neeraj Kaul representing FSDL being granted the opportunity to make some final comments.

Mr. Kaul started his arguments while acknowledging that some of his previously made comments regarding promotion and relegation were wrongly understood. He also asserted that FSDL is not against relegation and promotion.

Mr Kaul stated, “Subect to correction, one of the Party Delhi FC spoke very vehemently on relegation and promotion, and this very club has written to the I-League to say that relegation should not be there this season, ultimately we all want to bring relegation in ISL”

He added, “I’m guessing these are the kind of stances being taken, and we were told that you don’t want it, you want to harm the court, and never said it should not be there. Ultimately, we all want to bring it in.”

Mr Kaul observed, “This whole emphasis that it must form part of the Constitution is what is wrong. By all means, the elected body can adopt it.”

FSDL has initiated sports programs in India

He also added that Justice Rao also welcomed more money flowing into the AIFF so that infrastructure can be developed, better software can be adopted and better players and coaches can be recruited.

While addressing the bench, Mr Kaul stated, “So, my lords, money and private players, when they come in, other corporate players also come in with teams and help back. And, lastly, as I said, our initiatives, we think in all humanity, have also been to take football to the grassroots.”

He highlighted how the FSDL has initiated sports programs at the grassroots level in states like Tamil Nadu for promoting the sport in the country.

He finally pleaded with the court, stating, “So, please don’t damn us the way these parties are seeking to damn us.”

AIFF wants to conduct internal enquiry on the Deloitte audit

The hearing also witnessed another senior advocate representing the AIFF being granted the opportunity to make some final comments. The AIFF representative shared that they have answered each one of the 13 pitfalls from the Delhi High Court judgement as pointed out by senior advocate Rahul Mehra.

The senior advocate representing the AIFF also requested the bench to release the names of the errant individuals from the forensic audit conducted by Deloitte for an appropriate enquiry.

He stated, “In terms of the forensic audit report prepared by Deloitte, which has been handed over in sealed cover to the learned amicus and the honourable Supreme Court, it is respectfully submitted that the honourable court may please to release the names of Iran individuals concerned and directed at AIFF should be allowed to conduct appropriate proceedings.”

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