A petition was filed by a four sportsperson, para-athletes showed Un justification over the grievous matter of not getting equal status to all.
Justice Prathiba M Singh considering the issue, emphasized accord over equal treatment of deaf and para sportspersons and to take proper care to avoid discrepancies among the athletes.
In 2020, a four sportspersons moved the Delhi High Court who won medals in several international events. They have been assessed with having 100% disability in hearing and speaking. By way of the petitions, they sought equal treatment of deaf sports persons with other para-athletes.
Committee International of Silent Sports (CISS) Congress 2011 acknowledged the concerns at international level, to grant equal privileges and status to Deaf-Olympic games, Para-Olympic games as well as to the Olympic games.
In the petition, spotlight was over the cash awards and other schemes, available for other sportspersons but do not include to persons with disabilities and for Para-Olympic sports in the same manner.
The pleas also requested Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to frame proper policies in respect of deaf sports and ensure equal position to them, as well.
The court, on their behalf, formulated latest schemes, awards, and other benefits for both categories. It also brought modification in cash reward, not only for the para sportspersons but also those participating in blind and deaf sports.
Justice Singh, further enunciates that the issuance of such schemes, awards and benefits, etc. comes under the domain of government policy, and therefore, such specific benefits cannot be directed by the court. And in order to evade such sort of discrimination, the government should put their power into actions.
The court disposed of the pleas with a direction that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports would take a decision on the issues raised “in a manner which is fair to persons suffering from speaking and hearing disabilities.”
“In principle, there can be no doubt and even the Court confirms that deaf sport persons and para sport persons would have to be treated equally and neither category can be discriminated against the other. However, on the specific issues highlighted by the Petitioners, this Court is of the opinion that the same ought to be considered by the Respondent, after taking an overall view of the matter,” the court said.
“The said decision shall be taken within a period of three months from today. In the meantime, since there are certain tournaments which are stated to be going on, if any interim support is to be given, the same shall be considered within four weeks,” the court ordered.
CASE TITLE: VIRENDER SINGH v. UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. And other connected matters
BY: AYUSHI BHUSHAN, 1st YEAR BA.LLB(INTEGRATED), BANASTHALI UNIVERSITY, RAJASTHAN
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