HC issues show cause to Orissa govt on Budhia's marathon walk

Cuttack, June12 (UNI) Orissa High Court Vacation Judge Justice A S Naidu today issued a show cause notices to the Orissa government and Khurda district Child Welfare Committee as to why wonder kid Budhia Singh should be restrained from participating in the 500 kms long marathon walk from Bhubaneswar to Kolkata.

The Khurda district Child welfare Committee (CWC) in its order stated that any organisation sponsoring such marathons would be prevented and directed the district administration to stop Budhia's marathon walk from Bhubaneswar on June six last.

Budhia Singh and his supporters protested the order of the CWC and resorted to dharna in Bhubaneswar against the action. He and his coach Biranchi Das then moved the High court challenging the action of the CWC, which they said was arbitrary, illegal and not sustainable under the law.

The CWC made it clear that the action of engaging or using Budhia in marathon event would be considered as an act of subjecting the child to ''unnecessary suffering and cruelty'' under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000.

Earlier, in response to a show cause notice from the CWC, Budhia's mother submitted that her child would only participate in the marathon walking event as an honorary member and not as an active participant.

She further stated that the marathon walk was intended to raise funds in the form of sponsorship for meeting the growing need of Budhia Singh in terms of food, shelter, training and training equipment.

UNI