Kalaripayattu will not be part of National Games as Delhi High Court rejects contempt plea against IOA

The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a contempt of court petition filed against Indian Olympic Association (IOA) alleging non-compliance with the Court’s earlier direction to decide whether Kerala martial art ‘Kalaripayattu’ should be included as a competitive sport in the 38th National Games 2025 [Harshita Yadav Vs Union Of India & Ors.].Justice Amit Mahajan dismissed the contempt of court petition with the observation that the IOA had complied with the Court's order and had passed a decision rejecting the request.The Court also noted that the decision was uploaded by IOA on its website on January 22.“Order passed by the Court has already been complied with," the Court stated while dismissing the plea..The High Court had on January 15 directed IOA to pass a reasoned decision within a week regarding inclusion of ‘Kalaripayattu’ for the National Games.“It is directed that the present petition shall be treated as a representation by the respondent no.2 / IOA and a suitable decision shall be taken for reinstating ‘Kalaripayattu’ as a competitive sport in National Games. The IOA shall take into account the cultural and historical importance of the said sport and its status as a part of the country’s national heritage and take an appropriate decision. A reasoned order shall be passed by the IOA latest within a period of one week from today,” the Court had observed. .However, the petitioner, a student of Kalaripayattu, approached the High Court by way of contempt petition claiming non-compliance by IOA with the January 15 order.The counsel for the petitioner, Advocate Jeesh Kalathil Gopi, submitted that IOA uploaded the order on its website at the eleventh hour."The National Games starts tomorrow. They did perjury, passed order late," the Court stated.However, Justice Mahajan said that the Court will not invoke contempt jurisdiction since the deadline set by the Court was adhered to by the IOA. The petitioner then submitted that the order passed by IOA was not a reasoned one and that rejection of Kalaripayattu amounted to an affront to national heritage."It has not been included; neither in this list nor in the Olympic Games list. There is no reason to downgrade. They are downgrading our national heritage," the lawyer said.The Court said that the petitioner can then challenge it by way of a writ petition and contempt of court petition is not the appropriate remedy."Assuming what you are saying is correct, it cannot be subject matter of contempt petition. You have to invoke the right remedy. If it is not reasoned order, then challenge it. This is not the parliament, no debate can be done. This is a court of law. You may file a writ petition," the single-judge said while dismissing the plea..The 38th National Games 2025 is to be held in Uttarakhand from January 28, Tuesday.