SHRUTI VORA Vs. EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Petitioner, a distinguished Indian Dressage athlete with a commendable record at international competitions including the Asian Games and Dressage World Championships, brings forth this petition against Respondent No. 1, the Equestrian Federation of India. ['EFI'] This action challenges the Sec. Criteria Notice 2024, ['Impugned Selection Criteria'] for representing India in the Dressage event at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games. The Petitioner contests the legality of these criteria under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution of India, asserting that they are arbitrary, discriminatory, and prejudicial. The selection of Respondent No. 2 for the Paris Olympic Games lies at the core of her grievance. She contends that such selection exemplifies the inherent flaws of the selection criteria and their detrimental impact on a fair and equitable selection process for athletes.

(2.) The EFI is a national governing body for the sport of Dressage in India and is responsible for governing, promoting and developing equestrian sports in the country. EFI is a recognised National Sports Federation as notified by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports[3] and is also affiliated to the Indian Olympic Association,[4] Federation Equestre Internationale[5] and Asian Equestrian Federation. ['AEF'] EFI is the authority responsible for conducting all events at the Local, Regional, National and International level for Equestrian disciplines including Dressage in India.

(3.) Respondent No. 2 - Mr. Anush Agarwalla is an Indian Dressage rider who has been selected by Respondent No. 1 to represent the country in the forthcoming Olympic Games, which are scheduled to commence from the end of July 2024.