Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has refused to interfere with a plea seeking directions to the State for framing and implementing a comprehensive scheme to promote hockey and other sports, observing that the government has already taken adequate measures.
PIL Seeks Direction to Frame Sports Promotion Scheme
The petition was filed by the Association for Aiding Justice urging the court to direct the authorities to formulate a sports promotion scheme, create a special monitoring committee, and make provision of proper facilities. It also sought training, salaries, and financial assistance to sportspersons.
It urged the court to direct state and other authoriteis concerned to immediate steps to promote hockey and all other sports in the country by making sufficient provisions for the same.
Allegation of Inaction on National Sports Development
The plea alleged inaction by the authorities in boosting national sports, particularly hockey, and claimed that athletes were being deprived of basic infrastructure and support.
A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Sandeep Marne noted that the State’s affidavit in reply detailed several initiatives already underway.
Court Notes Government’s Ongoing Initiatives
The government pleader pointed out that sports complexes were being constructed across the State and that around 270 players had been granted cash incentives totalling Rs 12.68 crore in recognition of their performance in various sports.
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Bench Observes No Further Orders Needed
After considering the submissions and the material placed on record, the court concluded that sufficient steps had been taken to promote hockey and other sports. “No further orders are required to be passed in this PIL,” the bench observed while disposing of the petition.
