The Delhi High Court has upheld the Sports ministry and Sports Authority of India’s order to relieve Ashan Kumar, the head coach of the Indian kabaddi men’s team, following allegations of sexual harassment. The court ruled that the allegations were serious and that disassociating Kumar from his position during the investigation was neither illegal nor irrational.
The dismissal of Kumar comes just days before the Indian kabaddi team’s campaign in the Asian Games, putting the team’s fate in jeopardy. The allegations against Kumar stemmed from a complaint filed by a minor girl on September 4, accusing him of sexually harassing her. However, in a drastic turn of events, the girl later filed an affidavit stating that the complaint was a result of a misunderstanding, leading the police to file a closure report.
During the verdict, the court highlighted that the ministry’s decision to remove Kumar would remain valid until the report from the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) is received. The court emphasized the limited scope of interference by courts in administrative decisions and underlined that it would not substitute its own decision for that of the authorities.
The allegations against Kumar include accusations of him asking the girl to meet him and threatening to obstruct her entry into the girls’ team. Given the gravity of the accusations, the sports ministry and Sports Authority of India promptly acted, removing Kumar from his coaching position pending a thorough investigation.
Court declines to intervene in the sports ministry’s decision
Despite arguments presented by the petitioner highlighting potential negative impacts on the team’s performance in the upcoming Asian Games due to Kumar’s removal, the court declined to intervene in the sports ministry’s decision. This ruling underscores the imperative to prioritize the safety and well-being of athletes over concerns about their performance.
Following Kumar’s dismissal, the destiny of the Indian kabaddi men’s team now depends on the appointment of a new head coach. The team may face the challenge of swiftly adapting to this change in leadership as they gear up for the Asian Games.
