SC Rebukes HP Govt Over Denial Of Job To 2014 Asian Games Gold Winner

The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed its strong disapproval of the Himachal Pradesh government’s handling of the case involving Pooja Thakur, a gold medalist in the 2014 Asian Games.

The court questioned the state’s failure to grant her employment under the sports quota, despite her exceptional achievement.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih criticized the state for making Thakur “run from pillar to post” for years in her pursuit of a job.

“This is how you encourage sports persons?” the bench remarked, pointing out that Thakur’s gold medal in kabaddi at the 2014 Asian Games should have been recognized with a pragmatic and supportive approach from the state government.

The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal filed by the Himachal Pradesh government, which had challenged her appointment to the post of Excise and Taxation Officer. The court upheld a 2023 ruling by the Himachal Pradesh High Court that directed her appointment from the date of her original application to the Chief Minister in July 2015.

Thakur, who won a gold medal in kabaddi at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, and a silver medal at the 2015 National Games, had been waiting for years for the state government to honor her under the sports quota.

In its ruling, the High Court noted that the state’s authorities had shown displeasure towards Thakur for pursuing her application for a Class-I post, which had contributed to the delay in her appointment.

The court further criticized the state for denying her the benefits that would come with such an appointment, including seniority and other consequential rights.

The High Court had earlier pointed out the unreasonableness of the state’s stance and affirmed Thakur’s entitlement to the post, recognizing her achievements as a national and international sports figure.

Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International