Harshita Yadav v. Union Of India & ORS.

$~106 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + W.P.(C) 514/2025 HARSHITA YADAV .....Petitioner Through:

Mr. Jeesh Kalathil Gopi, Mr. Nishad LS, Mr. Vineeth S., Ms. Jannat and Ms. Bhagya Ajith, Advs.

versus UNION OF INDIA & ORS.

.....Respondents Through:

Mr. Ruchir Mishra, Mr. Mukesh Kr.

Tiwari, Ms. Reba Jena Mishra and Ms. Harshita Sharma, Advs. for R1/UOI.

Mr. Vikash Singh and Mr. Ujjwal Chaudhary, Advs. for R-2/IOA.

Mr. Kaushal Gautam, AAG and Mr.

Mrinal Sharma, Advs. for State of Uttrakhand.

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SACHIN DATTA % 15.01.2025

O R D E R

1.

The present petition seeks that the respondent nos.1 and 2 be directed to reinstate 'Kalaripayattu' as a competitive sport in the 38th National Games.

2.

It is noticed that on the previous occasion/s, 'Kalaripayattu' was included as a competitive sport.

3.

On a query by this Court, learned counsel for State of Uttarakhand does not express any difficulty / impediment in including the 'Kalaripayattu' as a competitive sport in the upcoming national games at Uttarakhand.

The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 24/01/2025 at 15:17:11

4.

After some hearing, with the consent of respective counsel for the parties, it is directed that the present petition shall be treated as a representation by the respondent no.2 / IOA and a suitable decision shall be taken for reinstating 'Kalaripayattu' as a competitive sport in 38th National Games. The IOA shall take into account the cultural and historical importance of the said sport and its status as a part of the country's national heritage and take an appropriate decision. A reasoned order shall be passed by the IOA latest within a period of one week from today. 5.

The present petition is disposed of with the aforesaid directions. JANUARY 15, 2025/cl SACHIN DATTA, J The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 24/01/2025 at 15:17:11