NATIONAL SPORTS TRIBUNALCentral

Section 24 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025

(1)The Tribunal shall have, for the purposes of discharging its functions under this Act, the same powers as are vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908) while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters, namely:---
1. (a)summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
2. (b)requiring the discovery and production of documents;
3. (c)receiving evidence on affidavits;
4. (d)calling for any public record or document or a copy of such record or document, from any office, subject to the provisions of sections 129 and 130 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (47 of 2023);
5. (e)issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents;
6. (f)reviewing its decisions;
7. (g)dismissing an application for default or deciding it, ex parte;
8. (h)setting aside any order of dismissal of any application for default or any order passed by it, ex parte; and
  1. (i)any other matter which may be prescribed.
(2)Every proceeding before the Tribunal shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding within the meaning of sections 228, 229, 233, 257 and 267 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (45 of 2023).
(3)The Tribunal shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purpose of section 215 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (46 of 2023).

Summary

The Tribunal has the same powers as a regular civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
The Tribunal can force people to attend hearings and question them under oath.
It can demand that specific documents and public records be handed over as evidence.
The Tribunal can accept evidence given in written affidavits.
It has the power to review its own previous decisions.
It can dismiss a case if a party fails to show up, or it can decide a case even if one party is absent.

Practical examples

1In an investigation about a rigged selection trial, the Tribunal issues a summons to a reluctant coach, forcing him to attend the hearing on August 10, 2026, and answer questions under oath.

2A sports federation fails to attend a scheduled Tribunal hearing. The Tribunal uses its civil court powers to decide the case ex parte, issuing a ruling against the absent federation based on the available evidence.

FAQ

1. Can the Tribunal force a witness to show up and testify?

Yes, it has the power to summon people and examine them on oath, just like a civil court.

2. Do I have to give my evidence in person?

Not necessarily. The Tribunal has the power to receive evidence through written affidavits.

3. What happens if I file a case but fail to attend the hearing?

The Tribunal has the power to dismiss your application for default if you do not show up.

4. Can the Tribunal change its mind after making a decision?

Yes, it has the specific power to review its own decisions.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 24 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, the Tribunal exercises the same powers as a civil court under which specific legal code?

Q2.Under Section 24 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, what action can the Tribunal take if a party fails to attend a hearing?

Q3.Under Section 24 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, how are the proceedings before the Tribunal legally classified?

Q4.Under Section 24 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, can the Tribunal demand to see official government records?

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