The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday issued notice to the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Wrestling Federation of India and all 15 other National Sports Federations for not having an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address complaints of sexual harassment.
The Commission issued notice to the Secretary of the Union Ministry along with BCCI, SAI, WFI along with 15 other sport organisations including Handball, Volleyball, Basketball, Weightlifting, Yachting, Gymnastics, Table Tennis, Billiards & Snooker, Kayaking & Canoeing, Judo, Squash, Triathlon, Kabaddi, Badminton and Archery.
They have been asked to submit detailed reports within four weeks, including the present status of ICC in their organisations as well as the steps taken or proposed to be taken to address the issue.
Reportedly, the wrestling body was not the only one not having duly constituted ICC. In addition to it, there were as many as 15 of 30 National Sports Federations who did not meet this mandatory requirement. The organisations were either did not have even an ICC or properly functional ICCs as required in the law.
The Commission observed that the contents of media report, if true, amounted to a violation of a law, and thus was a matter of concern as it may impact the legal right and dignity of sports persons.
They have been asked to submit detailed reports within four weeks including the present status of the ICC in their organisation as well as the steps taken or proposed to be taken to address the issue.
According to the media report published on May 4, 2023, five Federations, including the Wrestling Federation, do not even have an ICC.
Four Federations did not have the stipulated number of members and another six Federations lacked the mandatory external members. It is also stated that one Federation had two panels but neither had an independent member.