Ace Indian shuttler Jwala Gutta on Wednesday moved the Delhi High Court challenging the decision of Badminton Association of India (BAI) to recommend a life ban on her for alleged indiscipline in the IBl.
The BAI's disciplinary committee recommended a life ban on Gutta for trying to stop some players of her franchise Krrish Delhi Smashers from playing a match against Banga Beats in the Indian Badminton league in August this year.The petition came before Justice V K Jain who posted it for hearing on Thursday.
Gutta has sought quashing of the October 7 order, where BAI had ruled out considering Jwala for selection in any international events in the next one month, pending a decision by the three-member committee that was formed on Monday.
"The order has been issued in violation of settled principles of natural justice and fairness without giving her a hearing."A direction is to be issued to respondent 1 (Sports Ministry) to seek an independent report of the incident and to put in place an independent regulatory mechanism to oversee the functioning of decision making process of BAI in the absence of proper procedure," her plea said.
Gutta also sought quashing of the life ban recommendation of the BAI disciplinary committee.
She alleged that the association's approach was "pre-determined" and has been taken to single out her. Gutta further alleged that BAI's decision will affect her right to live with dignity.
A controversy had erupted during the August 25 tie when Delhi Smashers had allegedly threatened to pull out against Banga Beats over the last-minute replacement of injured singles player, Hu Yun of Hong Kong with Denmark's Jan Jorgense.
Can look into issue if she approaches: Ministry
In what would come as some relief for Gutta, Sports Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said he can look into her dispute with the BAI if she approaches him.
"Does she want the Sports Ministry to intervene into the matterIJ Well, I haven't received any formal application from Jwala. But if she approaches us, then we will definitely look into the matter. We will hear her case," Singh said here.
The Sports Minister said he will call the Commonwealth Games gold medallist to the ministry's office only when she makes a formal request. "We have not been approached by anyone. let me first receive her request and then I'll meet her," he added.