The Supreme Court on Monday rejected petitions challenging the Delhi High Court’s refusal to interfere in the decision to not include equestrians Anush Agarwal and Sudipti Hajela in India’s dressage team for the Asian Games in Japan. A bench of Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe refused to give any relief to the horsemen. He said that the court is very hesitant to interfere in individual sports matters.
The Supreme Court sent notice to the parties concerned in the case. Rejecting the horsemen’s plea for interim relief, the Supreme Court said it will examine the broader issue of institutionalizing the selection process.
Refusal to interfere in sports matters
The bench told senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for both the horse riders, that this court will refrain from repeatedly interfering in sports matters. We can do this only in case of institutional issues. The condition of people coming on the last dates is getting worse.
opposition to the government’s suggestion
Maninder Singh said that there is a division bench order in favor of both the horse riders, but the Equestrian Federation opposed the government’s suggestion that the Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Authority of India will evaluate them.
When will the Asian Games be held?
He said that he has been placed in the waiting list and should be considered as per the prescribed procedure. The bench said that it has nothing to do with individual cases, but if the lawyers want to help on any institutional issue, the court will accept it. The Asian Games will be held from 19 September to 4 October.
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