Delhi High Court Upholds SAI's Decision To Remove Chief Coach Amidst Sexual Harassment Allegations

The Delhi High Court has refused to interfere with the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) decision to remove Ashan Kumar from his position as the Indian Kabaddi Team (Boys) chief coach for the National Coaching Camp preparing for the 2023 Asian Games. The Court cited serious allegations of sexual harassment and stalking against Kumar as the basis for its decision.

Justice Subramonium Prasad stated, "The order disassociating the Petitioner from the position of the Chief Coach during the inquiry by the Internal Complaints Committee cannot be said to be illegal, irrational, and it also does not suffer from procedural irregularities."

Kumar, an Arjuna Awardee, had been selected to coach the Indian Kabaddi team for the 2023 Asian Games in China. However, an FIR was filed against him for sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, along with an offense under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.

While Kumar's counsel argued that the complainant and her father had submitted affidavits stating there was a misunderstanding, and the police had filed a closure report, the Court maintained that these developments would not impact the authorities' decision to remove him from the national team's training and preparation until the ICC's report is received.

The Court emphasized the limited scope of interference in administrative decisions, leading to the dismissal of Kumar's petition.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University