Shimla (Himachal Pradesh), 28 November, Thursday
Kumud Sharma, Diary Times: In a stern rebuke to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court on Thursday condemned the state’s handling of the employment case of Pooja Thakur, a gold medalist at the 2014 Asian Games. The Court, represented by Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, expressed deep dissatisfaction over the government’s refusal to grant Thakur her rightful employment under the sports quota, calling it an unsupportive attitude towards sportspersons who bring honor to the nation.
A Decade-Long Battle for Recognition
Pooja Thakur’s journey from winning a prestigious gold medal in kabaddi at the 2014 Asian Games to fighting for justice within the corridors of the Himachal Pradesh government has been nothing short of arduous. After her monumental victory in Incheon, South Korea, Thakur, who had also earned a silver medal at the 2015 National Games, applied for a Class-I government post under the sports quota in July 2015.
Despite her remarkable achievements on the international stage, Thakur found herself caught in a prolonged legal battle, with the Himachal Pradesh government failing to honor its commitment to athletes. The government’s reluctance to appoint her led to years of frustration, with Thakur forced to fight in courts for what should have been a straightforward entitlement.
Supreme Court’s Strong Disapproval
In a scathing remark during Thursday’s hearing, the Supreme Court criticized the state’s response, asking, “This is how you encourage sportspersons? Somebody won a gold medal in the Asian Games of 2014; your Chief Minister should have a pragmatic approach.” The Court emphasized that the state’s failure to recognize Thakur’s contributions sent a message of indifference towards athletes who bring prestige and recognition to the nation.
The Bench’s criticism focused on the state’s lack of foresight and empathy for the struggles of sportspersons. It was clear that the Court was troubled by the prolonged legal struggle Thakur had endured, despite her status as a national hero. The justices noted that Thakur’s case reflected poorly on the state’s commitment to supporting athletes and fostering sports excellence.
High Court’s Ruling and State’s Appeal
In 2023, after years of legal struggle, the Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled in favor of Thakur, directing the state government to appoint her as an excise and taxation officer. The Court also ordered that she be granted all consequential benefits, including seniority, from the date of her original application. This ruling was seen as a momentous victory for Thakur, but the state government, unwilling to accept the verdict, appealed to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court dismissed the state’s appeal, upholding the High Court’s decision and reinforcing the principle that athletes who have represented India at the highest levels deserve the support and recognition they are entitled to. The Court’s intervention brought an end to Thakur’s nearly decade-long struggle for justice, ensuring she would finally be given her due.
A National Shame: The Struggles of Athletes for Basic Rights
Thakur’s case serves as a stark reminder of the hurdles faced by sportspersons, even after achieving extraordinary success on the international stage. Despite bringing glory to the country, athletes often find themselves disregarded by the very systems meant to support them. Thakur’s fight for employment under the sports quota exemplifies the challenges athletes face in securing basic opportunities, even after demonstrating immense talent and contributing to the nation’s pride.
The Supreme Court’s intervention not only provided justice to Thakur but also sent a message to the Himachal Pradesh government and other states about the importance of respecting and supporting sportspersons who sacrifice years of their lives for the country’s glory.
A Wake-Up Call for State Governments
The ruling also serves as a wake-up call to state governments to honor the promises made to athletes and provide them with the recognition and opportunities they rightfully deserve. It underscores the need for a more compassionate and proactive approach towards supporting athletes who, like Thakur, go above and beyond to make their country proud.
In the end, Thakur’s perseverance and the Supreme Court’s timely intervention have ensured that her contributions will not be forgotten, and she will finally be given the opportunity to serve the state that once denied her rightful recognition.
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