The central government is going to implement criminal provisions against doping agents and people involved in smuggling and use of banned substances. For this, the government is planning to amend the National Anti-Doping Law. The Sports Ministry has prepared a draft regarding this. The proposed amendments will be introduced during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.
The proposed amendments aim to criminalize organized doping activities and take strict action against networks involved in trafficking, illegal supply, use and commercial distribution of banned performance-enhancing substances and methods.
According to sources, the punishment for these crimes will be decided as per the provisions of the Indian Justice Code (BNS) keeping in mind the nature and seriousness of the crime. The government has made it clear that the purpose of the proposed provisions is not to criminalize athletes, but to take action against smugglers, illegal suppliers and organized criminal gangs running doping networks.
Trafficking in prohibited substances, unauthorized sale or distribution of prohibited substances, providing prohibited substances to athletes for doping purposes, supplying such substances to underage athletes, engaging in organized criminal activities related to doping, selling prohibited substances without proper labeling, and advertising or paid promotion promoting doping.
An athlete will not be considered a criminal merely on the basis of a positive dope test or violation of anti-doping rules. Unless there is evidence linking him to activities like smuggling or organized crime, his case will be dealt with under the existing anti-doping framework.
The proposed amendments also include safeguards for athletes who hold a 'Therapeutic Use Exception' (TUE) and for medical practitioners who correctly administer banned substances in emergency medical situations. The ministry has said that these proposed changes are in line with India's commitments under the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sports and the policy endorsed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has already released the draft of these proposed amendments for public consultation. The ministry has urged stakeholders to give their suggestions on the draft amendments so that they can be finalized before the bill is introduced in Parliament.
