Delhi Court Upholds Wrestling Federation’s Discretion in Exempting Elite Athletes from Selection Trials for Asian Games: “Decision Best Left to the Experts,”

In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court reaffirmed the authority of sports federations to exercise discretion in selecting athletes for international competitions. The judgement, delivered by Justice Subramonium Prasad on July 22, 2023, upheld the decision of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to exempt elite wrestlers from selection trials for the upcoming Asian Games.

The Court emphasized that the selection of athletes for international sporting events should be left to the expertise of the respective National Sports Federations. Citing previous precedents, the judge stated, “In matters of selecting the best possible candidate to represent India in an international competitive event, there cannot be any interference by this Court in the selection criteria set down by the National Sports Federation concerned.”

The case revolved around the exemption of Respondents No.3 and No.4, both elite athletes, from participating in the selection trials. The WFI, comprising experts in the field of wrestling, unanimously decided to exempt them to prevent potential injuries, given their outstanding performance in world wrestling events.

Justice Prasad highlighted the limited scope of judicial review in sports selection matters, emphasizing that the Court’s interference would only be justified if the discretion of the federation was exercised in an arbitrary, capricious, or perverse manner. “The court cannot clothe itself with the power to make choices and should not substitute its decision over a decision of an Expert Committee,” the judge added.

Addressing concerns of litigations disrupting athletes’ preparation and performance, the Court urged caution in exercising jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. The ruling emphasized that unnecessary litigations could have adverse effects on the mental and emotional preparedness of players representing the nation in international sports events.

The judgement also addressed disputed documents presented during the proceedings, asserting that their veracity could only be determined through appropriate litigation.

Date of Decision: July 22, 2023

SUJEET AND ANR   vs  UNION OF INDIA AND ORS     

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