Both he and Abhay Singh Chautala were unanimously proposed for the positions, which are largely ceremonial and do not bring any voting power or right to attend meetings.

But the decision has still been fiercely criticised across India due to the various scandals surrounding the pair.

Kalmadi, IOA President from 1996 to 2012, spent 10 months in jail from April 2011 to January 2012 on corruption charges related to the his chairmanship of the Organising Committee at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games. 

He was charged with conspiracy, forgery and misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act, but is yet to face trial.

"I thank the IOA for conferring the honour of life President on me," he wrote in a letter to IOA President N Ramachandran afterwards.

"However, I do not feel that it would be appropriate for me to accept this honour at this time. 

"I am confident that my name will be cleared and I will defer acceptance of the honour till such time."

Chautala was elected IOA President in 2012 but left the post after the IOA were suspended by the International Olympic Committee for Government interference in the election.

He was also accused of corruption in a disproportionate assets case in which he was given bail by a Delhi court in 2010.

It is not yet clear if he has also rejected the position.

"Someone in the AGM proposed their names and it was unanimously decided that they will be appointed honorary life Presidents," said Ramachandran before Kalmadi announced his rejection.

"I am in no position to oppose the proposal. 

"It must be kept in mind that life-Presidents have no power. 

"They will not be allowed to attend the Executive Committee meetings of IOA and they have no vote at the AGM. 

"I don't want to comment on the legal aspects but we cannot deny that it was because of Kalmadi that the Commonwealth Games came to India in 2010. 

"He was instrumental in making a lot of positive changes to sport in India."

But Indian Sports Minister Vijay Goel appeared far more concerned.

"I will look into it," he told reporters. 

"It is a serious issue and I'm shocked. 

"It is unacceptable as both Kalmadi and Chautala are facing corruption charges."

India's suspension from the IOC was only overturned in February 2014 when fresh elections were held and Ramachandran was elected to his post.