Orissa HC reserves judgement on Marathon kid Budhia

Cuttack, Jun 22 (UNI) The Orissa High Court today reserved its judgment on a petition filed by wonder marathon kid Budhia's coach Biranchi Das challenging the authority of the state government to take protection of the child.

The division bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice Sujit Barman Roy and Mr Justice M M Das, who completed the hearing of the case in two phases, reserved its judgment to be made public later.

Counsel for the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) of Khurda district under the Ministry of Women and Child Development Rajat Kumar Rath argued that it was premature on the part of Biranchi Das to come to the High Court seeking a relief.

He said the CWC has full authority under a statutory Act to interfere if the extraordinary talent of a child is overexploited or misused.

Mr Rath pointed out that the CWC was not questioning the talent of Budhia but opposing the way the marathon kid was being allowed to make long distance run at regular intervals risking his life.

The CWC had filed an affidavit urging the court to restrain Budhia from making long distance runs by his coach.

The Counsel further contended that Biranchi Das has already appeared before CWC which was yet to pass any order.

He said in case of any adverse order, the coach could appeal for a revision or move the district sessions judge challenging the order as per the provisions of law.

Mr Rath also urged the court to direct the petitioner to cooperate with the government in helping the well being of the wonder kid. The courtroom was crowded today as lawyers and several Budhia-lovers had gathered to know the outcome of the legal battle between Biranchi Das and the Orissa government on the fate of marathon kid.

Budhia along with coach Biranchi and mother Sukanti were also present in the courtroom.

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