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Union Government Notifies National Sports Governance (National Sports Tribunal) Rules, 2026
The Union Government notifies the National Sports Governance (National Sports Tribunal) Rules, 2026. The rules are for creating a dedicated quasi-judicial mechanism to resolve disputes related to national sports bodies.
National Sports Tribunal Rules, 2026:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Tribunal | The National Sports Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body to adjudicate disputes related to National Sports Bodies. |
| Aim | The rules lay down the structure, appointment process, powers, and service conditions of the Tribunal. |
| Nodal Ministry | The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is the nodal ministry. |
| Parent Legislation | The parent legislation is the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. |
| Composition | The Tribunal consists of a Chairperson and Members appointed under Section 17 of the Act. |
| Selection Mechanism | The Central Government appoints the Chairperson and Members from a panel recommended by the Search-cum-Selection Committee. |
| Declaration of Interests | The Chairperson and Members must annually declare assets, liabilities, and financial interests. |
| Term | The Chairperson holds office for 5 years or till 70 years of age, while Members hold office for 5 years or till 67 years of age. |
| Resignation | The Chairperson or Member may resign through written notice to the Central Government. |
| Vacancy | The Central Government must fill vacancies within one month of occurrence or three months before the tenure ends. |
| Removal | The Chairperson or Members may be removed for insolvency, conviction involving moral turpitude, physical or mental unfitness, or conflicting financial interests. |
| Opportunity to Explain | A Member must be given an opportunity to explain before removal action is taken. |
| Service Conditions | Conditions not expressly covered follow Group A Government of India service rules. |
| Restrictions | The Chairperson and Members cannot practise before the Tribunal after retirement, take up arbitration while serving, or accept jobs linked to National Sports Bodies for 2 years after leaving office. |
| Oath | Oath of office and secrecy is mandatory before entering office. |
| Electronic Portal | The rules mandate a single-window electronic portal for disputes, notices, responses, documents, and clarifications. |
| Virtual Proceedings | The Tribunal may conduct remote virtual hearings and issue electronic communications. |
| Digital Archiving | Final orders and case records must be maintained and published digitally. |
| Judicial Powers | The Tribunal may issue orders or directions to meet the ends of justice and prevent abuse of process. |
| Interim Orders | The Tribunal may grant injunctions or stays after hearing the parties. |
| Enforcement | Tribunal orders are executable as civil court decrees and become final after the appeal period expires. |