GAURAV PUNDIR Vs. EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Petitioner has filed the present Petition challenging the Minutes of Meeting dtd. 20/2/2023 held between the office bearers of the Respondent/Equestrian Federation of India [hereinafter referred as "Respondent/Federation"] and members of the Committee of Experts, in so far it seeks to draw an artificial distinction in the disciplines of Eventing and Dressage qua funding of the participants. Challenge has also been made to an email dtd. 17/4/2023 which sets out the schedule for participation of the "Probables" selected for the discipline of Dressage for the 19th Asian Games which are going to be held at Hangzhou, China from 23/9/2023 to 8/10/2023 [hereinafter referred as the "Asian Games"]. Directions have also been sought for funding on an urgent basis for leasing of an alternative horse and training of the Petitioner in Europe.

(2.) The Petitioner contends that despite being the National Champion in the specialized field of Dressage for the past two consecutive years, he is actively being denied the logistical and financial wherewithal to appear in the selection process for the upcoming Asian Games. The Petitioner submits that he has qualified in the selection trials held by the Respondent/Federation under both the Selection Criteria Version-III as well as Selection Criteria Version-V [hereinafter referred to as "Criteria V3" and "Criteria V5"].

(3.) During the pendency of this Petition, the Petitioner approached this Court seeking ad-interim urgent relief by way of this Application.