HC posts to Feb 28 Joshna Chinnappa's petition

Chennai, Feb 22 (UNI) Madras High Court has posted to February 28 hearing on a petition seeking a direction to the Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) to follow procedures in providing information and in selection on participation of sportspersons in events India played in, and in maintaining transparency in providing information to participants as required.

When the petition filed by Ms Joshna Chinnappa of Chennai came up for hearing on February 21, Mr Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifullah adjourned hearing to February 28, while passing an interim order stating that G R Lakshmanan, Counsel for SRFI, place before the court the main draw in individual events, where the petitioner had been given a slot to participate in the International Event.

The Counsel produced a fax message to the effect that petitioner participated in the event and was successful in the first round.

In this light, the same was confirmed, the judge added.

In her petition, Joshna also sought to direct Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), Sports Authority of India (SAI) and SRFI to furnish all details, materials, particulars and make travel arrangements for her participation in the ongoing Asian Squash Championship between February 19 and 28 at Taiwan.

She said in the usual practice and as per procedure, the SRFI was required to intimate and invite players for the competition and select the right candidates and call for practice under a national coach appointed for the purpose. SRFI had to inform the player in advance about their trip and arrangements made, to enable players to purchase their air tickets, visa etc., Unfortunately, SRFI, functioning under the pressure and dictates of N Ramachandran, its General Secretary, did not provide information to the participants.

She addressed a letter on December 14, 2005 to Mr Ramachandran informing him of her wish to participate in the Open Squash Championship to be held between February 19 and 28 in Chinese Taipei, Taiwan. She requested SRFI to forward her entry in the women's individual events and to send a letter from the Federation, confirming her entry in the championship.

The SDAT, SAI, SRFI and Mr Ramachandran did not make any effort or had not sent any reply to her. She also sent a letter through her father to Mr Ramachandran on January 27, requesting him to forward the details pertaining to the events and her participation.

Though SRFI had acknowledged her participation, it did not furnish any information to her, she added.

UNI XR AA RP GC2136