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Prasanta Karmakar, an Arjuna awardee with gold medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, was suspended in February 2018 for three years from participating in sports events organized by the Paralympic Committee
The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed the plea filed by para-swimmer Prasanta Karmakar challenging his suspension, which was imposed on allegations of recording videos of female swimmers during the National Swimming Championships in Jaipur in 2017.
The bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad upheld the decision, noting various complaints against Karmakar's behavior.
Justice Prasad pointed out that Karmakar, acting as the coach of the swimming team, faced complaints regarding videos and photographs taken of female swimmers during the championships.
The court observed, "The petitioner (Karmakar) behaved in a rude manner with persons who were there in the stadium. The petitioner has abused the chairman and the officials of Respondent No. 1 (Paralympic Committee of India). The petitioner has also indulged in giving press interviews, bringing down the interests of Respondent No. 1."
The court rejected Karmakar's contention that the decision by the Disciplinary Committee of the Paralympic Committee of India was unfair or unreasonable.
Justice Prasad emphasized that the General Code of Conduct applied equally to athletes and coaches, stating, "The Code of Conduct applies equally to both the athletes and the coach”. It held that the interpretation of the rules should not promote indiscipline by coaches or support staff.
"Any other interpretation given to the interpretation of the Rules would go against the spirit of Clause 19 of the Bye-laws," the court added.
Prasanta Karmakar, an Arjuna awardee with gold medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, was suspended in February 2018 for three years from participating in sports events organized by the Paralympic Committee.
The court's decision came after Karmakar challenged the suspension order, seeking damages or compensation for an alleged violation of his fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution. The court, however, dismissed his plea.
Case Title: Prasanta Karmakar v. Paralympic Committee of India through its Chairman & Ors.
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