Section 35 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025
- (1)The Central Government may, from time to time, give such directions as it may think fit, to the Board or any other person or entity for the efficient administration of this Act.
- (2)The Central Government may, by an order, impose reasonable restrictions on the participation of any national team of a concerned sport in international sports competitions or participation of any individual in the activities of the national sports, under extraordinary circumstances and in the interest of national security, public order and safety.
Summary
- The Central Government has the power to issue directions to the National Sports Board, or any other person or entity, to ensure the Act is administered efficiently.
- In extraordinary circumstances, the Central Government can stop a national sports team from participating in an international competition.
- The Central Government can also impose reasonable restrictions on an individual person, stopping them from participating in national sports activities.
- These restrictions on teams or individuals can only be applied if it is in the interest of national security, public order, and safety.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can the Government tell the sports board how to do its job?
Yes, the Central Government can issue directions to the Board from time to time for the efficient administration of the Act.
2. Can the Government arbitrarily ban a team from travelling abroad just because they are unlikely to win?
No, the Government can only impose restrictions on international participation under extraordinary circumstances and in the interest of national security, public order, and safety.
3. Do these restrictions only apply to massive national teams?
No, the Central Government can also impose reasonable restrictions on the participation of any individual in national sports activities if the same security and safety risks apply.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 35 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, what type of general directions can the Central Government give to the Board or other entities?
Q2.Under Section 35 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, which of the following is the legally required justification for the Central Government to restrict a national team from competing internationally?
Q3.Under Section 35 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, how does the government's power to impose restrictions apply to individual athletes compared to national teams?
Q4.Under Section 35 of The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, who holds the ultimate authority to issue these binding directions and emergency restrictions?