Section 34 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025
- (1)If the Central Government considers it necessary and expedient so to do in the public interest for the promotion of specific sport disciplines consistent with the spirit of good governance enshrined in the Olympic Charter, it may, in consultation with the Board and the concerned International Sports Body, by notification, direct that subject to such conditions and restrictions, if any, and for such period as may be specified in the notification, all or any of the provisions of this Act or any rule or regulation made thereunder shall not apply to a National Sports Body or its affiliate unit specified therein.
- (2)The Central Government may, by notification, and for reasons to be recorded in writing, relax the eligibility criteria for the members of the Executive Committee, if such person is serving in the executive committee or a similar body of a corresponding International Sports Body or is in the General Body of the International Olympic Committee or International Paralympic Committee.
Summary
- The Central Government can exempt a National Sports Body or its local unit from following specific parts of the Act, rules, or regulations if it is necessary for the public interest and the promotion of a specific sport.
- Before granting this exemption, the Central Government must consult the National Sports Board and the concerned International Sports Body.
- Exemptions are given through a notification, they must remain consistent with the good governance spirit of the Olympic Charter, and they can include specific conditions, restrictions, and a set time limit.
- The Central Government can also relax the eligibility rules for joining an Executive Committee if the candidate is already serving in a corresponding International Sports Body or the Olympic/Paralympic Committee, provided they record the reasons in writing.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Does every sports body have to follow every single rule in this Act perfectly at all times?
No, the Central Government has the power to exempt a sports body from certain provisions in special cases for the promotion of sports.
2. Can the Government hand out exemptions secretly?
No, the exemptions must be published by notification, and the Government must record its reasons in writing if relaxing eligibility criteria.
3. Does the Government consult anyone before giving an exemption?
Yes, the Government must consult the National Sports Board and the relevant International Sports Body.
4. What is the main guiding principle the Government must follow when giving an exemption?
The exemption must be consistent with the spirit of good governance enshrined in the Olympic Charter.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 34 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, which authority has the power to exempt a National Sports Body from the provisions of the Act?
Q2.Under Section 34 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, which entities must the Central Government consult before directing an exemption for a specific sport discipline?
Q3.Under Section 34 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, when the Central Government uses its power to grant an exemption, what fundamental standard must the action remain consistent with?
Q4.Under Section 34 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, under what specific circumstance can the Central Government relax the eligibility criteria for a person trying to join an Executive Committee?