The Sports Ministry has released proposed changes to India’s anti-doping laws for public consultation, with plans to introduce criminal penalties for organised doping activities while ensuring that athletes are not criminally prosecuted for anti-doping violations.
The proposed framework aims to target the growing network involved in trafficking, illegal supply, administration and commercial distribution of banned performance-enhancing substances and methods in sport.
According to the ministry, the new framework seeks to criminalise activities such as trafficking and illegal sale of banned substances, administering prohibited substances to athletes for doping purposes, supplying such substances to minors, running organised doping-related businesses, selling prohibited substances without proper labelling and promoting doping through advertisements or paid campaigns.
The ministry made it clear that the proposed measures aim to crack down on traffickers, illegal suppliers, organised syndicates and support personnel involved in doping networks.
The ministry clarified that athletes would not face criminal prosecution merely for testing positive or committing anti-doping rule violations unless they are directly involved in criminal activities such as trafficking or organised doping operations. Cases related to anti-doping rule violations by athletes will continue to be handled under the existing anti-doping framework.
“Anti-Doping Rule violations by athletes will continue to be dealt with under the existing anti-doping framework,” the ministry stated.
Officials said the amendments are designed to protect clean athletes while allowing stronger legal action against criminal networks exploiting sport and athletes for commercial gain.
The framework also includes safeguards for athletes with valid Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) and protections for genuine medical practitioners involved in emergency medical treatment requiring the use of prohibited substances or methods.
The ministry said the proposed changes are aligned with India’s commitments under the UNESCO Convention against Doping in Sport and are consistent with the broader approach supported by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The sports ministry has invited feedback from sports federations, athletes, coaches, administrators and the general public as part of the consultation process. Suggestions can be submitted until June 18.