FIFS Appoints Two Former Judges as Panel Members of FSRA

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), India’s only self-regulatory body for the fantasy sports industry has appointed Justice (Retd.) Mukul Mudgal, former Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court and Justice (Retd.) G.S. Sistani, former Judge, Delhi High Court as panel members of Fantasy Sports Regulatory Authority (FSRA). Eminent jurist, Justice (Retd.) A.K. Sikri, former Judge, Supreme Court of India is the Chairman of the FSRA.  The FSRA is a committee of independent experts constituted by FIFS as an independent self-regulatory authority for Fantasy Sports industry in India.

The FSRA is empowered to govern the regulatory aspects of the FIFS self-regulatory framework, which includes:
 Formulating and setting best practices, standards, code of ethics including responsible gaming policies for FIFS members
 Setup stringent audit mechanisms to ensure zero violations of the FIFS Charter and take appropriate action for non-compliance 
 Initiate dialogues, consultations with the Government stakeholders for growth & sustenance of India’s fantasy sports industry 
 Ensure effective grievance handling and consumer dispute resolution

FIFS Chairman, Bimal Julka said, “Indian fantasy sports industry is at an inflection point. The extensive knowledge, collective experience and expertise of Justice (Retd.) Mudgal and Justice (Retd.) Sistani will be invaluable to lead this sunshine sector and chart the path towards its long-term growth trajectory.”

On his appointment as a FSRA panel member, Justice (Retd.) Mudgal said, “Our role will be to work as an independent regulatory body to ensure regulations, laws of India and our constitution are abided by.”

Sharing his views, the newly appointed panel member Justice (Retd.) Sistani said, “I’m delighted to join FSRA as a panel member. As far as the legal front is concerned, all the issues relating to fantasy sports are a settled matter as it has been recognised as a game of skill repeatedly in multiple judgements by various courts including Hon’ble Supreme Court of India thereby extending protection to the sunshine sector under Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution bringing business certainty which is integral to the rule of law.”

FIFS has been driving industry led self regulation since 2017. Recently, FIFS also announced the appointment of Joy Bhattacharjya as the Director General. Joy is an Indian quizzer, orator, writer and sports producer. He is the former Team Director of the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders. He also served as the director for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which was conducted in India, and later as CEO of the inaugural Pro Volleyball League. Further, sports industry veterans such as Professor Ratnakar Shetty – Former BCCI Chief Administrative Officer and Mr Amrit Mathur – Former Secretary Sports Authority of India are Advisors to the FIFS Secretariat.