Amendments to Criminalise Doping Expected in Next Parliament Session, Says Sports Minister Mandaviya

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act aiming to criminalise the trafficking and distribution of prohibited substances to athletes will be introduced in the upcoming session of Parliament.

According to the report published on Tuesday in New Delhi, the proposed amendments seek to introduce criminal provisions with a jail term of up to five years for suppliers, including medical practitioners who knowingly prescribe banned drugs, and stakeholders in the supply chain.

Key Details of the Proposed Amendments

• Proposed Penalties: Imprisonment of up to five years, a fine extending up to two lakh rupees, or both, for anyone administering or applying prohibited substances to athletes for doping purposes.
• Targeted Groups: Suppliers, supply chain stakeholders, coaches, and medical practitioners who knowingly prescribe banned substances.
• Current Framework: India currently lacks penal provisions for the supply of banned substances, with existing disciplinary actions limited to bans lasting up to a lifetime.

Official Remarks and Institutional Steps

Minister Mandaviya made the statements after chairing two meetings held under the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport in New Delhi. The Parliament’s winter session is expected to begin in the last week of November.

Highlighting existing measures, the Minister noted that the National Anti-Doping Agency of India conducted over 7,000 tests and more than 350 education sessions reaching 27,000 participants during 2025-26. Additionally, the 'Know Your Medicine' mobile application has recorded over half a million searches.

Practical Implications and Verification

Athletes, coaches, medical practitioners, and sports organisations should monitor official parliamentary updates and announcements from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to verify the introduction and progress of the amendment bill.