Delhi HC Allows Centre To Release Money For Travel Expenses, Accommodation Of Indian Team In Special Olympics World Games 2023

The Delhi High Court has permitted the Centre to release money for travel expenses, accommodation, etc. for the participation of the Indian team in Special Olympics World Games, 2023 saying that the same be spent only on the sportspersons and their training.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad said, “… this Court is inclined to permit the Union of India to release money for travel expenses, accommodation, etc. for the participation of Indian team in Special Olympics World Games, 2023. … However, the Committee which has been appointed by this Court vide Order dated 25.04.2023 shall ensure that the money is spent only on the sportsmen, their training, etc. It is made clear that the Government money should be spent only on training and travel of sportsmen, on arranging coaches for them, other necessary equipment and services like on physiotherapists, trainers, etc. for their participation in Special Olympics World Games, 2023.”

The Bench observed that as the sportsmen are intellectually challenged and a large contingent of so many athletes are participating, they require assistance, for which purpose support staff for these sportsmen be permitted to go with the team.

Advocates Chaitanya Gosain and Anand Thumbayil represented the petitioner in person while Senior Advocate R. Bala Subramanian and CGSC Harish Vaidyanathan represented the respondent.

In this case, an application was filed by the Union of India seeking permission to undertake necessary steps to implement the recommendation of the Committee in furtherance of the development of the sports. The Special Olympics World Games, 2023 which are scheduled to be held from June 17 to June 25 this year in Berlin, Germany is also known as the "Special Olympiad".

The said Olympiad is an international sporting event that takes place every two years and alternates between Summer and Winter Games for intellectually challenged sportspersons and is organized by the Special Olympics organization which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The counsel for the Union of India submitted that in view of the various orders passed by the court restraining the release of money to the various sports federations, the Centre was finding it difficult to release money for the purpose of sportspersons to participate in Special Olympics World Games, 2023.

The High Court in view of the above facts noted, “On earlier occasions when requests were made by the Union of India and other federations for release of funds to ensure proper participation of Indian teams in world sporting events, this Court has permitted the Union of India to release money to ensure participation of Indian teams in various sports.”

The Court further clarified that the Government money will not be spent on office bearers of Special Olympics Bharat and office bearers and members of the various Sports Federations who are not concerned with the sports person.

Accordingly, the Court listed the matter on July 14.

Cause Title- Rahul Mehra v. Union of India

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