Bihar Olympic Association Issues Legal Notice to IOA President Regarding One-Person Investigation Panel
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New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) Labeling it an act of administrative overreach, the Bihar Olympic Association (BOA) has issued a legal notice to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha regarding the establishment of a one-person fact-finding committee to investigate the governance structure of various states, including Bihar.
In response to alleged grievances concerning governance and election irregularities in multiple state Olympic associations, the IOA president appointed a separate external panel for Telangana, Bihar, and Rajasthan on December 2 via an official order.
Hemanta Kumar Kalita, the secretary general of the Boxing Federation of India, was designated as the fact-finding commissioner for Bihar. He was anticipated to submit his conclusions, observations, and recommendations to the IOA president by December 10.
The commission's duties included evaluating governance practices and election protocols.
The BOA, feeling that its integrity was being unfairly challenged, opted for legal action. In its notice, the BOA disputes the legality and impartiality of the IOA’s decision, highlighting its failure to comply with the principles of natural justice and constitutional governance.
The legal notice outlines how the commission’s formation undermined the autonomy of the BOA and neglected crucial transparency measures. It also indicates that the IOA did not provide the BOA with information regarding the complaints nor allowed it to defend its position. Furthermore, the BOA asserts that such actions jeopardize the federal structure of sports administration, breaching constitutional norms.
"It is asserted that the responsibilities assigned to the single-member fact-finding commission significantly compromise the reputation, integrity, transparency, and efficacy of the relevant State Olympic Associations, particularly my client - the Bihar Olympic Association (BOA), under the pretense of aligning with the standards and objectives of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
"It is noted that the State Associations already have established governing bodies. The appointment of an external single-member commission without prior consultation with these bodies represents unwarranted interference in the proper operations of the State Associations," the notice accessed exclusively by IANS states.
The notice further stressed that arbitrary interference could hinder the progress achieved by the association, ultimately impacting athletes and their ambitions. The BOA demanded the immediate cancellation of the IOA’s order and called for a more cooperative strategy to resolve grievances. If not addressed, the BOA warned it would be forced to seek legal remedies.
"The relevant State Olympic Associations were not consulted even after the decision to appoint the said fact-finding commission was made. It is respectfully stated that the State Olympic Associations should have been given the chance to provide their reports and explanations concerning the alleged complaints before the commission was dispatched to take action," the notice continued.
Additionally, BOA insisted that IOA annul the order promptly and reveal the specifics of the alleged representations and complaints related to the operations and electoral processes of the relevant State Associations.
"To revoke the office order immediately, pending proper discussions and deliberations regarding the alleged complaints and representations received against my client, the Bihar Olympic Association (BOA).
"To disclose the particulars of the alleged representations and complaints regarding the operations and electoral processes of the relevant State Associations, notably the Bihar Olympic Association (BOA).
"To clearly outline my client’s role, the Bihar Olympic Association (BOA), in the alleged representations and complaints highlighted by Notice.
"To provide my client with an opportunity to present their case and representation regarding the alleged representations and complaints before any adverse actions are taken," the notice concluded.
