The Gujarat High Court has issued notices to the central government, the state government, and various sports authorities, including boxing associations, in response to a petition filed by the mother of a 19-year-old boxer who died during a state-level competition in Mehsana in September 2024.
Background of the Case
Karan Pipaliya, a 19-year-old boxer from Surat, was declared brain-dead after a bout in the 63.5 kg weight category at the Gujarat State Boxing Championships for senior men and women held in Mehsana. His mother, Ritaben, approached the High Court through advocate Jugal Rana, alleging gross negligence in adhering to mandatory safety and medical protocols prescribed under the International Boxing Association (IBA) Rules, 2023.
Allegations of Negligence
The petition claimed a complete absence of pre-bout medical examinations for participants and a total lack of emergency medical infrastructure, including ambulance services, oxygen support, and essential life-saving equipment. It further alleged that even after Pipaliya collapsed, no immediate medical assistance was provided. A private individual had to transport him to a hospital in a personal vehicle, resulting in a fatal delay in treatment. The petitioner argued that this negligence directly caused her son's death.
Additionally, the lawyer submitted that the police did not investigate the case properly, recording statements of players and authorities in a cyclostyled manner. No First Information Report (FIR) was registered in the case.
Petitioner's Demands
Besides demanding strict implementation of medical protocols in accordance with IBA rules during boxing matches, the petitioner sought a thorough probe into the incident by a special investigation team comprising experts in the field.
Court's Response
After a preliminary hearing, Justice H M Prachchhak sought replies from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG), the Boxing Federation of India, the Gujarat State Boxing Association, and the office-bearers named in the petition. The matter has been posted for further hearing on July 7.
