SC dismisses plea seeking directions for recognising hockey as national game of India

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed as withdrawn a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by lawyer Vishal Tiwari, seeking directions to the respondents, Union of India (UoI) and other sports bodies concerned, for recognising the game of hockey as the national game of India.

A three-Judge Bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, and also comprising Justices S Ravindra Bhat and Bela M Trivedi, refused to pass any directions or orders to the Central Government on the issue. Also read | Internet services to remain suspended in Karnal from 12.30 am on September 7 "We are sorry, we cannot pass any direction to the Government of India to pass any order in the issue," the Bench said and refused to entertain or pass any order on the issue. The Judges, however, noted that they agree with the petitioner and have sympathy with his averments in this petition. But, they added that they cannot directly issue orders to the government for the same. Also read | SC refuses to defer NEET-UG exam scheduled for September 12 The petitioner, Vishal Tiwari, submitted to the top court that there is a big importance of sports in nation-building. "Sports are associated with the nation's pride. We are participating in Olympics for several decades, but the results are not satisfactory. Sportspersons need big support and facilities from the Centre and all states," he submitted. Tiwari said from the list of national identity elements, the national game was missing and that the government should declare it the national game of India. The apex court asked the petitioner to withdraw his petition. To this, the petitioner sought for liberty to send his representation to the respondents. Justice Lalit told him, for this he does not need liberty, he can send his representation to the government and authorities concerned. Later, the petitioner withdrew the petition. -PTC News