HC directs RSFI to permit skater from TN in national event

The Madras High Court today directed the Roller Skating Federation of India to permit a skater from Tamil Nadu to participate in the 54thNational Roller Speed Skating championship in Benguluru this month.
Justice B Rajendran gave the direction on a plea by Arul, father of Jenil, seeking permission for his son to compete in the championship, scheduled to be held on January 21.
The petitioner submitted that his son participated in four events in the recent state-level championship and had won gold in two events and silver in the other two with an aggregate of 13 points, which is the requirement for selection to the nationals.

However, the Tamil Nadu Roller Skating Association (TNRSA) had withheld certificates and points for two of the events on some grounds, including delayed appearance, causing his son irreparable hardship as the points for these would not be taken into account while preparing the final selection list, he said.
When the matter came up for hearing, TNRSA counsel submitted that the medals were withdrawn as the petitioner had given 'false' information that his son came late because of a practical exam in his school. It further said the school had later informed that there was no exam on that day.
Noting that TNRSA had not informed the petitioner about the withdrawal of the points and no documentary evidence was furnished in support of its claim that practical exam was not held on that day, the judge directed the RSFI to permit Jenil to participate in the national championship.

He also directed TNRSA to confirm with the Roller Skating Federation of India about Jenil's eligibility to participate as he had obtained 13 points in the selection process.