Shimla, Nov 28,
The Supreme Court of India has strongly criticized the Himachal Pradesh government for its handling of the appointment of Pooja Thakur, a gold medalist in kabaddi at the 2014 Asian Games. The Court questioned the state’s delay in honoring Thakur’s rightful appointment under the sports quota and expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to support the distinguished athlete.
A bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih was hearing the case regarding Thakur’s appointment as an Excise and Taxation Officer. Thakur, who won a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games, applied for the position in 2015. However, her appointment was delayed for several years despite her notable achievements.
Justice Oka, in a scathing remark, stated, “This is your way of encouraging sportspersons? Someone who won a gold medal in the 2014 Asian Games, and yet your Chief Minister has not taken a pragmatic approach.” The Court expressed its dismay at the seven-year delay in Thakur’s appointment, deeming it unacceptable given her contribution to Indian sports.
The Supreme Court upheld a 2023 ruling by the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which had ordered Thakur’s appointment effective from the date of her application in 2015. In rejecting the state’s appeal, the bench emphasized that the delay and mishandling of Thakur’s case were not grounds for interference. The Court affirmed that the High Court had addressed the situation appropriately, stating, “Considering the factual aspects, we find no reason to interfere under Article 136 of the Constitution.”
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