Court refrains from interfering with EFI's selection process due to logistical constraints and impending deadlines.
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has upheld the selection process conducted by the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) for the Dressage discipline at the upcoming 20th Asian Games. The selection process, which placed certain athletes in reserve positions, was challenged by riders Anush Agarwalla and Sudipti Hajela, who argued that the EFI did not adhere to the established selection criteria. However, the court, citing logistical impracticalities and the impending deadline for entry submissions, has refrained from intervening at this advanced stage.
The controversy arose when the EFI's Ad-Hoc Committee, constituted for overseeing the selection process, finalized the list of six probables on June 16, 2026, without conducting the requisite competitions during the training period as mandated by Clauses 15(a) and 15(b) of the Selection Criteria. The court noted that the EFI acted with undue haste, submitting definitive entries before the July 1 deadline, and without providing the competitive exposure and fitness evaluations that are typically part of the final selection process.
The appellants argued that the selection list, which placed them in reserve positions, was not prepared in conformity with the selection criteria. They pointed out that the EFI failed to publish a provisional merit list of probables, as required, and did not facilitate competitions that would have allowed for a fair reassessment of the athletes' current form and fitness.
Despite acknowledging the EFI's non-compliance with certain procedural requirements, the court emphasized that conducting a new selection competition was not feasible within the limited time before the final entry deadline. The decision to uphold the current selection list was made to prevent any disruption to the Indian team's preparation for the Asian Games.
The court, while disposing of the appeals, directed the EFI to ensure strict adherence to the selection criteria in future processes. The ruling highlights the balance courts must maintain between legal oversight and respecting the expertise of sports federations, especially when faced with practical constraints.
Bottom line:-
Selection for international sports events must adhere strictly to published selection criteria to ensure transparency, fairness, and meritocracy. Courts generally will not interfere with the expertise of sports selection committees unless the process is shown to be arbitrary, irrational, or contrary to law.
Statutory provision(s):
Clauses 8(f), 13(d), 13(g), 15(a), 15(b), and 15(f) of the Selection Criteria.
