Tokyo Olympics silver medallist wrestler Ravi Kumar Dahiya and Paralympic high jumper Sharad Kumar have approached the Central Administrative Tribunal seeking regularisation of their services as Assistant Directors of Education (Sports) with the Delhi government. The two athletes allege that they have been kept on repeated ad hoc extensions despite discharging regular administrative duties for years.
Background of the Petitions
In separate but similarly worded petitions, the two athletes argued that they had left secure government jobs to join the Government of NCT of Delhi. They were offered Group 'A' positions in recognition of their international achievements and with an expectation of eventual regularisation. Sharad, a bronze medallist at the Tokyo Paralympics and silver medallist at the Paris Paralympics, stated that he had resigned from a permanent position with the Sports Authority of India, where he had served as athletics (Para) coach, to join the Delhi government in 2022.
Legitimate Expectation of Regularisation
The petitions contended that although the appointments were initially described as ad hoc for six months or till regular appointment, the memoranda also contained a two-year probation clause. This created a legitimate expectation that the athletes' services would eventually be regularised. Both athletes said they have continued to perform perennial governmental functions in the Sports Branch, including supervision of selection trials, inspection of stadiums and sports centres, evaluation of coaches and work related to Khelo India programmes.
Additional Allegations by Sharad Kumar
Sharad, who is an athlete with benchmark locomotor disability, additionally alleged that he had faced workplace difficulties. These included lack of proper office arrangements, repeated questioning of his authority because of his temporary status, and assignment of physically demanding field duties without adequate accommodation under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
Direction from Lieutenant Governor
The petitions also referred to a reported 2023 direction by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor that medal-winning athletes appointed on ad hoc basis should be regularised in consultation with the UPSC at the earliest. Despite this, no final decision on regularisation has been taken.
Legal Action and Relief Sought
The petitions, filed through their legal counsel Samarth Luthra, claimed that despite repeated representations to senior Delhi government authorities, including the Chief Minister's Office and disability commissioners, no final decision on regularisation had been taken. Both athletes have sought regularisation from the date of their initial appointments along with continuity of service, pensionary and promotional benefits, and interim protection against termination during the pendency of proceedings.
