G. VENKATARAVANAPPA Vs. THE GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE petitioner is a physically challenged person born in a remote village called Thotliganahalli, Kolar District, with congenital deformity of disability in both legs beneath the hips. He is working in BEL as a Draughtsman -Mechanical. He had over the years excelled in the field of sports for physically challenged in athletics i.e. weight lifting, shot put, javeline and discuss throw. He started from the State level sports for physically challenged and in a short time went on to the Zonal level, National level and represented India in Asian -Pacific Games, the World Championships and the Para Olympics and even won medals in many of the events. He is also the recipient of many awards in sports.

(2.) THE contention of the petitioner is that he did not receive commensurate financial support, encouragement and recognition that was legally due to him. He had to spend heavily for his training and spent huge amounts of money from his pocket towards flights, accommodation and other incidental expenses to participate in various National and International sporting events, which he did and the same resulted in winning medals and awards both at the National and International levels. It is further contended that the second respondent issued guidelines at Annexure 'A' dated 6.11.2002 fixing cash awards to sports persons, who have won medals in the National and International sports events from the State as an incentive to them. The first respondent implemented the said guidelines and has recommended payment of cash awards to various sports persons from the year 1999 onwards and enhanced the cash award amount from year to year. The petitioner was also entitled for the cash awards for the medals obtained by him from the year 1999 on the basis of the aforesaid guidelines.

(3.) LEARNED Counsel for the petitioner would contend that the respondents have failed to give him cash prize for the awards won by him right from the year 1999 to 2006. It is argued that for the two awards won by the petitioner in the year 2009, a sum of Rs. 1,25,000/ - each has been given to him. However, cash awards have been given to other sports persons as per the communication at Annexure 'A' dated 6.11.2002. It is further submitted that suitable guidelines have to be framed for fixing the cash awards for the medals won by the athletes in the National and International sports events in order to avoid discriminatory treatment to the athletes.