What is the government’s proposed anti-doping amendment that could land doctors, coaches in jail? Explained

The Union government has proposed new amendments to the National Anti-Doping Act to criminalize the trafficking of banned substances and their distribution to athletes, with a jail term of up to five years and a fine of up to 2 million rupees for offenders, including doctors who knowingly prescribe banned drugs.The proposed changes were uploaded to the Ministry of Sports website for public feedback, with June 18 as the deadline for submitting proposals.Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the amended bill would be tabled during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament after reviewing the feedback.“Whoever makes or applies to an athlete for doping for the purpose of or in connection with doping in sports…shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to (five) years or with fine which may extend to (two thousand) rupees or with both,” the proposed amendment said.The amendments seek stricter action against people involved in the supply of banned substances to athletes. The ministry plans to present the amendment to the law in parliament after discussing the public’s suggestions.Under current law, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) can search premises and seize “equipment, equipment, substance, record, register, document or other tangible object” if an anti-doping violation is suspected.The proposed amendment extends these powers to natural persons as well.“The officer, if so required by the individual, shall, within twenty-four hours, take such individual to the nearest gazetted officer of his seniority or to a magistrate. Provided that the officer shall not detain such individual for more than twenty-four hours before bringing him before such gazetted officer or magistrate,” the amendment states.“For the purposes of this section, the term ‘public place’ includes any means of public transportation, hotel, store, competition, event, or other place intended for the use of or accessible to the public.”

Doctors, coaches could face prison

“Doping is no longer just a sporting violation; it has evolved into an organized ecosystem exploiting athletes,” Mandaviya said during a media interaction in New Delhi, as quoted by news agency PTI.“We’re only punishing those who consume, but the focus needs to be on the suppliers as well. So whether it’s a coach, manager, fellow athlete or anyone who has direct access to an athlete, those found guilty of being part of the supply chain will be prosecuted if these changes go through,” he added.A similar proposal was tabled in 2018 when the government sought a four-year jail term and a fine of Rs 2 million for organized crime syndicates and suppliers of banned substances. However, these provisions were removed before the 2022 Act was passed and amended last year as the government favored “preventive rather than punitive legislation”.The new proposal also targets those who prescribe banned substances to athletes.“Whoever, for the purpose of or in connection with doping in sports, deals, sells, issues or otherwise places on the market without dealing or prescribes any prohibited substance or prohibited method, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to (five) years or with fine which may extend to (two million) rupees, or with both,” the amendment said.The amendments provide exemptions for athletes with a Therapeutic Exemption (TUE) for certified medical conditions and for medical emergencies.“In the situations described in this subsection, it is the athlete’s responsibility to apply for a retroactive therapeutic exemption in accordance with the provisions of this Act and its regulations,” the amendment states.“The relevant GP bears no responsibility, regardless of whether a therapeutic exemption is granted or refused,” he added.The ministry clarified that the rules regarding anti-doping violations by athletes will remain unchanged.“Violation of anti-doping rules by athletes will continue to be dealt with according to the existing anti-doping framework,” the ministry said.“The proposed amendments seek to ensure that clean athletes remain protected while enabling stronger action against criminal networks exploiting sport and athletes for commercial gain.