In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India underscored that it is the profound responsibility (“sadhana”) of the Union government to officially recognize sporting facilities and opportunities as “material resources” belonging to the community. The court emphasized the immense power of sports to foster unity and combat societal ills such as communalism, casteism, racism, and various forms of discrimination.
Justice P.S. Narasimha, in a recent judgment concerning the All India Football Federation (AIFF), eloquently articulated that whether it’s national, international, regional, or even local “mohalla” sports, these events act as a “karmabhumi” – a field of action where unity and shared objectives manifest. He explained that sports naturally unite people from diverse social, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, embodying the fundamental Constitutional principle of fraternity. Through sports, both individual dreams and collective goals converge harmoniously.
The apex court acknowledged that the judiciary cannot simply “command” communities to bond. True fraternity, it asserted, is forged through authentic shared experiences characterized by unity, mutual trust, and collaborative effort.
Justice Narasimha further highlighted that on the playing field, teamwork naturally encourages individuals to overcome personal differences and work together, fostering crucial habits of cooperation, solidarity, and mutual respect. He stressed the vital importance of accessibility in sports; when opportunities are available to everyone – regardless of their race, caste, religion, gender, or financial standing – the unifying impact of sports is significantly magnified.
The court firmly stated that sports should never be an exclusive privilege for a select few. Instead, sporting facilities and opportunities must be readily available to all segments of society, as this is the only way to genuinely reinforce the spirit of fraternity across the nation.
He concluded that true inclusiveness transforms sports from a mere privilege into a powerful vehicle for strengthening fraternity throughout society. In essence, sports bring to life the vision of the Constitution’s framers – serving as an intangible, yet utterly essential, force that binds us through collective endeavor and a shared sense of purpose.
Furthermore, the court asserted that both sports themselves and the organizations that govern them should be considered fundamental “institutions of national life.” Consequently, this accessibility must extend beyond participation to include sports administration, ensuring that deserving individuals can contribute regardless of their social or economic background.
The apex court emphasized that it is a profound “sadhana” (endeavor) for the state, and indeed a Constitutional duty, to ensure that sporting facilities and opportunities are developed and managed with utmost institutional efficiency, integrity, professionalism, and expertise.
Justice Narasimha stressed that sports must not remain solely within the grasp of the “urban economic elite.”
He further highlighted that all revenues generated from sporting events, including those from intellectual property and media rights, should be strategically allocated to support and promote accessible and affordable sports across the nation.