Release Funds Earmarked For Indian Handball Team's Participation In Asian Championship: Allahabad HC To Sports Authority Of India

The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday asked the Sports Authority of India to immediately release Rs.29.60 Lacs, the fund earmarked by it for the purpose of sponsoring the participation of the Indian Handball national team in the 20th Asian Men's Handball Championship, scheduled to be held from Jan 18 to Jan 31 at Saudi Arabia.

Essentially, the bench of Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi and Justice Narendra Kumar Johari was hearing the plea of a member of the Indian Team, Mohit Yadav highlighting the fact that the estimated budget for sponsoring the Indian team to participate in the tournament was estimated at Rs.29.60 Lacs, which has been allocated by the Sports Authority of India for the purpose.

However, it was argued that the disbursement of the funds and its transfer to the organizing body, i.e. Asian Handball Federation had not been done by the Sports Authority of India, on account of some election proceedings taking place to constitute the management body in Handball Federation of India.

It was submitted in the Court that although the elections had taken place, however, its recognition by the Sports Authority of India is presently in progress.

In view of this, the Court observed thus:

"The participation of the Indian Handball team on account of delay in the process of recognition of elected body by the Sports Authority of India cannot be allowed to come in the way of the national team as regards their participation, therefore, the Sports Authority of India is bound to do the needful for release of necessary funds earmarked for participation in the event."

With this, the Court asked the Sports Authority of India to do the needful forthwith.

Further, the ASG, Surya Bhan Pandey, was given a day's time to obtain instructions as to why the Sports Authority of India has not disbursed the funds to the organizing body, i.e. Asian Handball Federation in terms of Para 3.6 of the 20th Asian Men's Championship Scheme.

Case Title - Mohit Yadav v. Union Of India Through Secretary Ministry Of Youth Affairs And Sports And Others

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