Two minor yachtsmen have been allowed by the Delhi High Court to take part in the '420 Class' event at the Asian Games which commenced yesterday at the South Korean city of Incheon.
Terming as "unfair and unreasonable", the court set aside the decision of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports not to participate in yachting event in the '420 Class-under 19 age group' after selecting and issuing accreditation cards to Diya Anna Correa and Upamanyu Dutta.
"In the given circumstances, the petition is allowed and the respondents (Centre, Sports Authority of India and Yachting Association of India) are directed to forthwith grant the administrative approval for petitioners to participate at the Incheon Games in the event of Yachting- '420 Class-under 19 age group'," Justice Vibhu Bakhru said.
The court came down heavily on the Centre, which had first selected the yachtsmen, for its belated decision to not to send these minors to South Korea as their chance of winning the medal was bleak.
"In fact, on September 2, parental consent of the petitioner was sought for participation in the events. The actions of the respondents have to be tested on the anvil of fairness and reasonableness. The only reason for dropping the names of the petitioners by the respondent is that they are not medal probables," it said.
"Whatever be the thought behind this decision, it is contrary to the spirit in which sporting events are played."
The court also asked the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to conduct an inquiry into alleged letter of the national coach on 'Asian Games Classes Review', saying it did not contain any covering letter or any signatures and there was no indication that it has been authored by the said coach.
"It, prima facie, appears that the said file cannot be the record of respondent No.1 (Centre) and yet has been produced in court as such. In the given circumstances, the Secretary of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports... Is directed to hold an inquiry as to whether the file forms part of the original records of respondent No.1 and whether it conforms to the standards required...It is further directed that the inquiry report relating to the said file be placed before this court within a period of six weeks from today," it said.
