Indian Kabaddi Coach Removed Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations, Raises Concerns for Asian Games 2023
In a major decision, the Delhi High Court has supported the removal of the chief coach of the Indian Kabaddi men’s team for the upcoming Asian Games 2023. The court deemed the allegations against coach Ashan Kumar to be serious, justifying his dismissal during the ongoing investigation by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The allegations against Kumar include Sexual Harassment, stalking, criminal intimidation, and violation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Related Articles
Coach Ashan Kumar contested the order of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, as well as the Sports Authority of India, claiming that his removal would negatively impact the team’s performance in the Asian Games. However, the court upheld the decision, stating that the serious nature of the allegations warranted his removal from his position.
The charges against Kumar stemmed from an FIR filed by a minor girl, accusing him of sexual harassment and threatening to prevent her from joining the girls’ team. However, the girl later retracted her complaint, stating that it was a misunderstanding. Consequently, the police filed a closure report in the case. Despite the retraction, the court acknowledged that the complaint had been referred to the ICC of the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India, and their report is still pending.
The court emphasized that the affidavits retracting the complaint and the closure report by the police do not invalidate the ministry’s decision to remove Kumar. The court’s role, it stated, is limited to assessing whether the decision is just, reasonable, and not perverse. In this case, given the ongoing investigation and the seriousness of the allegations, the court determined that the decision to dismiss Kumar from his position was justified.
This decision comes as a blow to the Indian kabaddi team, as it takes place just days before the Asian Games 2023 campaign. The coach plays a crucial role in the team’s preparation and strategy, and his sudden removal can impact the team’s performance. However, the sports ministry stands by its decision, prioritizing the investigation of the sexual harassment charge over any potential disruption to the team.
The case highlights the significance of addressing sexual harassment allegations in the realm of sports and the importance of having internal complaint committees. The fact that the complaint was taken seriously, despite the minor girl retracting it, demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes. The court’s support for the sports ministry’s decision sends a strong message that allegations of sexual harassment will be treated seriously and thoroughly investigated.
The post Indian Kabaddi Head Coach Dismissed Days Before Asian Games Following Sexual Harassment Charge appeared first on Pinnacle Chronicles.
