Haryana rights panel orders probe into Rohtak player’s death on basketball court

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has ordered the Principal Secretary, Sports, to constitute a high-powered inquiry committee to probe into the death of a national-level basketball player during practice at Lakhan Majra village in Rohtak district last November. The matter has been listed for hearing before the full commission on May 19.

Hardik Rathi died after the iron pole of a basketball hoop fell on him at a sports nursery in Lakhan Majra village. The commission has also recommended a state-wide audit of sports nurseries and government run-sports facilities.

In its order, the commission has observed that on the basis of the facts placed before it, the incident prima facie discloses “a grave violation of human rights”, particularly the right to life, safety and dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

In compliance with the commission’s order, a report was submitted by the Deputy Commissioner, Rohtak. However, the report does not provide any substantive details regarding the actual cause of the incident, adherence to safety standards, or the grant of compensation to the bereaved family. It merely refers to the sanction of Rs 17,80,294 from the MPLADS portal for the construction of a basketball stadium.

The commission further noted that although an inquiry committee had been constituted on November 26 last year, its detailed report has not yet been submitted. “There also appears to be no clear mechanism in place concerning safety inspections of sports equipment and infrastructure, periodic structural stability assessments, or a standard operating procedure (SOP) for compensation,” it said.

HHRC Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra directed the Principal Secretary, Sports, to constitute a high-powered inquiry committee, which shall comprise a senior IAS officer (Chairperson), the Director General of Sports and Youth Affairs, a senior structural engineer and a distinguished national-level sportsperson as members.

Justice Batra directed that the committee should determine the precise cause of the incident and fix responsibility of the officials, engineers, or contractors concerned. It should also examine whether approved designs, quality standards and maintenance protocols were duly followed.

The commission recommended a uniform mechanism for regular inspection, third party structural certification and systematic maintenance of sports nurseries and government-run sports facilities. It also recommended that a structured and time-bound SOP should be formulated to ensure immediate interim relief and final compensation in cases of death or grievous injury at state-run or state-funded sports facilities.

Justice Batra has clarified that the matter transcends an isolated accident and raises issues of significant public importance concerning the safety of public sports infrastructure, administrative accountability, and the fundamental right to life of children and athletes. The commission has emphasised that systemic failure, administrative negligence and dereliction of duty on the part of state authorities cannot be countenanced.

HHRC Assistant Registrar Dr Puneet Arora said the Principal Secretary, Sports, had been directed to ensure submission of the inquiry committee’s report at least one week prior to the next scheduled hearing.