Rahul Mehra, a sports activist, initiated a Public Interest Litigation in 2010 that culminated in a landmark decision by the Delhi High Court in August 2022. The case centered around the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and its non-compliance with the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 (Sports Code). The commentary analyses the 13 pitfalls raised during the case, highlighting inconsistencies between the IOA’s Constitution and the Sports Code. These issues encompassed a wide range of matters, including the appointment of Life Presidents, differential voting rights, electoral college compliance, and the inclusion of athletes and women in sports administration. The Court’s decision emphasised the importance of good governance principles in sports organisations, recommending changes to enhance transparency, diversity, and democratic processes. While this judgment is a step in the right direction, it is important that these directives are enforced in practice and consistently adhered to by the IOA and sport governing bodies at all levels of the federated model in India