RURAL SPORTS ASSOCIATION Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. N. Surendrajit, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner. Also heard Mr. S. Suresh, learned ASG appearing for the respondent No. 1 and Mr. Sukumar, learned GA for the respondent No. 2.

(2.) The petitioner's society claims that it is the apex society representing all the local clubs of Bishnupur and a large part of Imphal West District, Manipur having more than 154 clubs/organizations as its members. For the improvement of infrastructures pertaining to sports, the petitioner's society made a proposal to the Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India through the Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur for financial assistance for construction of sports infrastructures including stadium, indoor stadium and others along with the project report for construction of an Indoor Stadium Category - 1 by a letter dated 10-01-2000. The Additional Chief Secretary (Youth Affairs and Sports), Government of Manipur by letter dated 4-3-2000 recommended the application of the petitioner's society for consideration for grant of financial assistance to the Government of India. After considering the matter, the Government of India, Ministry of Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports sanctioned a sum of Rs. 89.87 lakhs towards construction of an Indoor Stadium Category-1 at Khoriphapa Playground, Nambol at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,19,83,900/-. Thereafter, after completing all formalities, the petitioner's society proceeded with the construction of the Indoor Stadium incurring an expenditure of Rs. 18 lakhs. By letter dated 21-07-2000, the petitioner's society submitted its report to the Under Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India through the Director, Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur for releasing financial assistance (1st installment).

(3.) The Principal Accounts Officer, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India by letter dated 06-11- 2000 accorded approval and conveyed the sanction of the President of India for payment of Rs. 25 lakhs as 1st Installment through the Additional Chief Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur for transmission to the petitioner's society towards construction of Indoor Stadium Category- 1 at Khoriphaba, Nambol.