Show cause notice: IOA to consult with world body
New Delhi: Dec 30, 2016, DHNS
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is not going to abide by sports ministry’s direction to reply to the show cause notice on the controversial elevation of Suresh Kalmadi and Abhay Singh Chautala as life presidents as it will first consult its parent international body, a top official said on Thursday.
The IOA has been given time till Friday to reply to the show-cause issued by the ministry after scam-tainted Kalmadi and Chautala were elevated to the honorary position at the IOA’s Annual General Body Meeting in Chennai on December 27.
Kalmadi declined the post while Chautala said he was willing to step down if the International Olympic Committee wanted it. An IOA official said its president N Ramachandran was out of the country. “Moreover, we cannot directly reply to a show-cause notice like this. Under Olympic Charter, the IOA enjoys autonomy and independence from government interference. We will first consult with the IOC on this notice before thinking of replying,” he said.
“Normally, we would not have replied on such a notice because we are an autonomous body established under Olympic Charter. We may reply but that may happen after consultation with the IOC,” the official added.
The elevation of Kalmadi and Chautala kicked up a storm and stunned the Indian sports fraternity. Under intense pressure from various quarters, Kalmadi chose to step aside on Wednesday. But Chautala refused to follow suit though saying he was ready to relinquish the post only if the International Olympic Committee has reservations about it. He asked IOA President N Ramachandran to discuss the matter with the IOC.
The sports ministry, meanwhile, urged the IOA to reply to its show cause notice by Friday. “Your reply should reach the office of the undersigned latest by 17.00hrs of 30 December 2016, failing which it would be construed that you have nothing to say in the matter and action will be taken accordingly,” the notice said.
Sports Minister Vijay Goel told PTI that he has no personal issues with Chautala but was forced to take such a step for the good of Indian sport. “There is nothing personal against them. Mr Chautala has been chargesheeted in a few cases. The ministry was forced to take such a step,” Goel said.
Earlier in the day, Chautala issued a statement, making his views clear on the matter. “I wish to thank the IOA for nominating me to the ceremonial position of Lifetime President and I have already informed the President IOA, through a separate letter, that if IOC is not favourably inclined to my taking over as Hon Life President after the (IOA) President has had an opportunity of discussing this matter personally with IOC, I will be pleased to sacrifice my position in the best interest of Indian sports, sportspersons, good governance, transparency and cleanliness in India sports,” the statement said.
Chautala also took a swipe at Goel. “I am personally aware of the conduct of Minister of Sports at Rio where IOC had questioned the behaviour of the minister and his associates and threatened to withdraw his accreditation. I do not wish to dwell more on this subject as I do not want to embarrass the minister. “If necessary, I will brief the Hon’ble Prime Minister on this issue of Rio Olympics,” he added.
Agencies
The IOA has been given time till Friday to reply to the show-cause issued by the ministry after scam-tainted Kalmadi and Chautala were elevated to the honorary position at the IOA’s Annual General Body Meeting in Chennai on December 27.
Kalmadi declined the post while Chautala said he was willing to step down if the International Olympic Committee wanted it. An IOA official said its president N Ramachandran was out of the country. “Moreover, we cannot directly reply to a show-cause notice like this. Under Olympic Charter, the IOA enjoys autonomy and independence from government interference. We will first consult with the IOC on this notice before thinking of replying,” he said.
“Normally, we would not have replied on such a notice because we are an autonomous body established under Olympic Charter. We may reply but that may happen after consultation with the IOC,” the official added.
The elevation of Kalmadi and Chautala kicked up a storm and stunned the Indian sports fraternity. Under intense pressure from various quarters, Kalmadi chose to step aside on Wednesday. But Chautala refused to follow suit though saying he was ready to relinquish the post only if the International Olympic Committee has reservations about it. He asked IOA President N Ramachandran to discuss the matter with the IOC.
The sports ministry, meanwhile, urged the IOA to reply to its show cause notice by Friday. “Your reply should reach the office of the undersigned latest by 17.00hrs of 30 December 2016, failing which it would be construed that you have nothing to say in the matter and action will be taken accordingly,” the notice said.
Sports Minister Vijay Goel told PTI that he has no personal issues with Chautala but was forced to take such a step for the good of Indian sport. “There is nothing personal against them. Mr Chautala has been chargesheeted in a few cases. The ministry was forced to take such a step,” Goel said.
Earlier in the day, Chautala issued a statement, making his views clear on the matter. “I wish to thank the IOA for nominating me to the ceremonial position of Lifetime President and I have already informed the President IOA, through a separate letter, that if IOC is not favourably inclined to my taking over as Hon Life President after the (IOA) President has had an opportunity of discussing this matter personally with IOC, I will be pleased to sacrifice my position in the best interest of Indian sports, sportspersons, good governance, transparency and cleanliness in India sports,” the statement said.
Chautala also took a swipe at Goel. “I am personally aware of the conduct of Minister of Sports at Rio where IOC had questioned the behaviour of the minister and his associates and threatened to withdraw his accreditation. I do not wish to dwell more on this subject as I do not want to embarrass the minister. “If necessary, I will brief the Hon’ble Prime Minister on this issue of Rio Olympics,” he added.
Agencies
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