New Delhi: Left with no other option after being served an ultimatum by the International Olympic Committee, the IOA amended its constitution on Sunday to bar charge-framed persons from contesting elections, in a development that is expected to pave the way for India’s return to the Olympic fold.
The decision to amend the IOA constitution in line with the IOC diktat was taken at its Special General Body Meeting here after the the world body served the ultimatum last month that it would de-recognise India if charge-framed persons are not barred from contesting polls.
The IOC has made it clear that the amendment will have to be made before December 10 or else it will recommend India’s de-recognition to the IOC Executive Board, which will meet on December 10 and 11.
S Reghunathan, who chaired the GBM attended by 134 members, said both Abhay Singh Chautala and Lalit Bhanot, the president and secretary general of the suspended IOA and who were charge-framed by the court, will be ineligible to contest IOA elections to be held on February 9 once the IOC approves the amendment.
“The House unanimously decided to amend the relevant clause in IOA constitution which would bar charge-framed persons from contesting elections. Both Chautala and Bhanot told the House that they will not contest the upcoming elections. In fact, Chautala proposed the amendment while Bhanot seconded it,” he told a press conference.
In its October 27 Special GBM, the IOA had sought to dilute IOC’s directive on the charge-framed clause by proposing to refer such cases to its internal Ethics Commission, which was later rejected by the world body.
“Where charges have been framed by any court in India, in respect of an offence which is of serious nature under Indian Penal Code/Prevention of Corruption Act in which punishment of imprisonment of more than 2 years is prescribed then the member/office bearer/member of executive council of IOA will resign immediately and if not they will be provisionally suspended and will not be eligible to contest in elections and the case will be referred to IOA Ethics Commission for further guidance,” the amended clause said.
The amendment, if accepted by the IOC, could lead to India’s return to the Olympic fold after being suspended by the world body on December 4. It will also bring an end to the one year impasse between the IOC and IOA.
“We are hoping that the IOC will revert back to us in seven to 10 days. The ball is now in the IOC’s court. We have done what we have been told to do. We are now hopeful that the IOC will lift the ban on the IOA,” he said.
Reghunathan said there was no need for Chautala and Bhanot to resign immediately but they may do so after the IOC gives approval to the amendment and before the elections.
“There is no need for them to resign immediately. They may do so after IOC approves the amendment. They can resign before elections. We will do whatever the IOC says. We will wait for IOC direction.” (PTI)