Kanval Deep And Others v. State Of Haryana And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH CWP-28659-2025 (O&M) Date of decision: 24.09.2025 Kanval Deep and others ....Petitioners

Versus

State of Haryana and others ....Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE HARPREET SINGH BRAR

Present:

Mr. Arun Kumar Goyat, Advocate for the petitioners.

Mr. Vikrant Pamboo, Addl. A.G., Haryana.

Mr. Prince Singh, Advocate for respondents No.2 to 6.

HARPREET SINGH BRAR J. (Oral) 1.

The present petition is preferred under Articles 226/227 of the Constitution of India, seeking issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus, directing the respondents to grant traveling allowance of Rs.3,13,000/- with interest per petitioner as they represented India in the International Tug of War World Outdoor Championship held at Mannheim, Germany from 5th September to 8th September, 2024. 2.

Learned counsel for the petitioners, inter alia, contends that the petitioners were selected to represent India in the International Tug of War Championship held at Mannheim, Germany from 5th September to 8th September, 2024 as discernible from the selection list dated 01.07.2024 (Annexure P-4). Initially, the Haryana Power Sports Group sanctioned an amount of Rs.3,13,000/- for each player, as indicated by the letter dated 15.07.2024 (Annexure P-6). A No Objection Certificate

(NOC) was also issued to the petitioners on 11.07.2024 (Annexure P-5) in this regard. Thereafter, owing to a change in the Governing Committee of the Haryana Power Sports Group, their participation was cancelled vide letter dated 31.08.2024 (Annexure P-9). However, ultimately, they were granted permission to participate vide letter dated 03.09.2024 (Annexure P-10) while stating that no expenditure in this regard shall be borne by the Haryana Power Utilities. 3.

Learned counsel further contends that the petitioners had prepared for the championship and made arrangements for their travel to Germany in view of letter dated 15.07.2024 (Annexure P-6), whereby Rs.3,13,000/- per player was sanctioned by the Haryana Power Sports Group. As such, the petitioners had a legitimate expectation to be reimbursed for the expenditure incurred by them. In fact, one of the power utilities i.e. Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL), has already reimbursed its employees for participation in the said event. Aggrieved by the same, the petitioners made a representation dated 15.07.2025 (Annexure P-1) to respondent No.4 but to no avail.

4.

Notice of motion.

5.

Learned State counsel as well as learned counsel for respondents No.2 to 6, accept notice.

6.

Having heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and after perusing the record of the case with his able assistance, this Court is prima facie satisfied with the arguments put forth by him. It transpires that the petitioners made arrangements to participate in the International Tug of War World Outdoor Championship held at Mannheim, Germany

on account of the assurance of reimbursement in terms of letter dated 15.07.2024 (Annexure P-6). Owing to the change in guard in the Haryana Power Sports Group, the participation was cancelled and subsequently reinstated. However, by then, arrangements were already made by the petitioners. As such, they cannot be reasonably expected to undo the painstakingly formulated plans to justify the whimsical approach taken by the Haryana Power Sports Group in the eleventh hour. Notably, similarly situated employees of UHBVNL were reimbursed for the same undertaking while the same relief has been denied to the petitioners.

7.

The State has made significant efforts in promotion of sports to not only promote public health but also foster national pride and nurture young talent. Initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India Movement aim at providing better infrastructure and financial support to athletes across the nation. The genesis of this approach finds roots in Articles 39(f) and 47 of the Constitution of India, which are reproduced below:

"39. Certain principles of policy to be followed by the State.- The State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securingxxx xxx xxx f) that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment.

47. Duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health.- The State shall regard the raising of the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people and the improvement of public health as among its primary duties and, in particular, the State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption

except for medicinal purposes of intoxicating drinks and of drugs which are injurious to health."

8.

However, the conduct of the Haryana Power Utilities is antithetical to the same, highlighting a significant gap between vision and execution. While we rejoice in celebrating high profile wins, yet systemic support remains palpably absent. Promising athletes are often discouraged by the struggle that comes with establishing a presence in the world of sports which include inadequate coaching, delayed stipends and bureaucratic obstructions. In spite of years of dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence, sportspersons are not always assured opportunities to showcase their talent as also to reinvent themselves once the spotlight dims. The realm of sports calls for unparalleled discipline and resilience, and every athlete's journey is marked by uncertainty and challenge, which is also reflective of the broader ecosystem's ability to support them. In that vein, this Court is of the considered opinion that it is the duty of the State to provide an environment that is conducive to development of a vibrant sports culture and thereby well-being of its citizens.

9 .

Keeping in view that that the petitioners represented the country in an international championship in Germany, at this stage, the present petition is disposed of with a direction to respondent No.4 to consider the representation dated 15.07.2025 (Annexure P-1) moved by the petitioners and pass a speaking order, after affording them an opportunity of hearing. The needful be done within a period of 02 months from the date of receiving a certified copy of this order. Further,

the decision taken in this regard shall be conveyed to the petitioners promptly. Needless to say, if the petitioners are found entitled to the relief sought, the same shall be granted forthwith by respondent No.4. Before parting with this order, this Court expresses its earnest hope that the Haryana Power Utilities will continue to provide mentorship and support to athletes.

(HARPREET SINGH BRAR) JUDGE 24.09.2025 yakub Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether reportable:

Yes/No