SPORTS CONTRACTS AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN INDIA: THE NECESSITY FOR SPECIALISED LEGISLATION

Abstract

India has a long history of sports and the rapid growth of it particularly through professional leagues such as the Indian Premiere league (IPL) and Indian Super league (ISL), has underscored the increasing complexity of sports contracts and the rising number of disputes involving athletes, teams, sponsors and broadcasters. However the absence of specialised legislation governing sports contracts and dispute resolution in India has resulted in a fragmented legal framework, often relying on general laws like the Indian Contract Act 1872, and the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996, These general provisions are insufficient to address the unique challenges posed by the sports industry, including player transfers, endorsement agreements and representation disputes. This research paper examines the current legal framework governing sports contracts in India, identifies the limitations of relying on general laws and explores common types of dispute that arise in the Indian sports ecosystem. The paper argues for the establishment of specialized sports tribunal and proposes the creation of comprehensive legislation tailored to the intricacies of sports contracts and dispute resolution. Such reforms are essential to protect the rights of athletes and stakeholders, ensure swift and fair adjudication, and promote the growth and integrity of sports in India.