NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Justice PS Narasimha has advocated for the establishment of an institution in India dedicated to sports research and providing legal support to athletes.
His suggestion comes at a significant time, coinciding with the ongoing protest by women wrestlers who have accused a BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment.
Speaking at the Foundation Day celebrations of the India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER) in Goa on Friday, Justice Narasimha emphasised the need for specialized universities in various fields, including sports.
Such an institution could focus on research, legal assistance, and addressing issues related to the sports industry, benefiting both athletes and the overall sporting ecosystem in India.
"Sportsmen in the country did not receive institutional support as consistently as sportsmen in other parts of the world....We also see complaints of exclusion, taking over of sports authorities and the courts have also had to step in on certain occasions,” he said.
There is a need for a dedicated world-class institution to fulfill this need, Justice Narasimha added.
“Such an institution could perhaps suggest the formulation and rectification of legislation of necessary sports laws and also help protect the legal rights of sportsmen. Support system must be created for the safeguard of sportsmen's rights. It should not be just for India but for across the globe,” he added.
The judge, who is the chancellor of the Bar Council of India-run IIULER, suggested that the varsity start a sports law research center.
Manan Kumar Mishra, chairman, Bar Council of India, announced from the dais that the university would soon set up such a center.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the first foundation day celebrations of the IIULER. Advocate General of Goa Devidas Pangam and Vice Chancellor IIULER, Prof (Dr) R Venkata Rao were also present on the occasion.
(With PTI inputs)
