Bajrang Punia Challenges NADA Suspension in Delhi High Court

A bronze medalist at the Tokyo Summer Olympics, Bajrang Punia has approached the Delhi High Court with a writ challenge to the provisional suspension imposed on him by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Punia is looking to have the suspension removed before the impending senior world wrestling championship scheduled for October 2024 as he fears it will force him into permanent retirement.

Punia was earlier handed a provisional suspension by NADA in April on the grounds that he had failed to provide a urine sample during the trials held in March. Even though he did appeal the suspension, it was reinstated in June, and a formal notice of charge was served by NADA.

Ref. URL: https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/msid-113202855,imgsize-26574,width-400,resizemode-4/113202855.jpg

According to him, he never declined to provide samples. He claims that he only inquired how NADA would respond to his emails inquiring about the reason for using outdated kits for testing visitors in December 2023.

In his writ Pleading, upholds that the term suspension is barring him from participating in the senior world wrestling championships that will take place in, Tirana, Albania scheduled to take place from October 28 to 31, 2024. The fear of forced retirement would in his opinion pose a great loss to the sport of wrestling in India.

Moreover, Bajrang Punia has also expressed a desire for a fact finding into the complaint against opposition doping watchdog for not using other kits or a valid one and later attempting cover up. Punia feels such an inquiry is warranted to establish fairness, transparency and accountability in the process of anti-doping control. Stating that there were expired testing kits which were used for the samples, Punia adds that such conditions create a concern over the results of the tests done, to the credibility of the whole exercise.

The Delhi High Court will henceforth admit hearing on the petition of Punia and determine as to whether to lift the suspension or allow NADA to continue with pursuits of the disciplinary proceedings. The result of the case will be crucial for both the interference of the career of Punia and the development of the Indian wrestling.

In a rather surprising manner, free style wrestler Bajrang Punia has mounted a challenge to the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) stating that he has never been suspended. This has certain implications with respect to fairness, transparency, and without discrimination on the basis of doping allegations against athletes. It is equally clear that the resolution of this case is going to carve out the path of progression for Punias career, and the manner in which doping regulations can be enforced in the country.

The High Court of Justice must take into consideration the facts and the contradictory claims of the parties so as to make the ruling correct from the point of view of law and facts. If the legality of the doping control proceedings in India is thick then, the crusade for upholding law and equity in the court is an important weapon to protect the dignity of sport.

Asunda vega rajkot should Ensuring that the case has a resolution as regards where the interests of justice should prevail for the plight of the petitioner is to be rectified by far as possible. Asunda vega rajkot should in deciding the case on below, due newbie should be no more important than his aim.