MANJEET vs INDIAN OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION (IOA) AND ORS

Judgment text excerpt

$~J * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI Judgment reserved on: 29.01.2026 Judgment pronounced on: 30 .01.2026 + W.P.(C) 936/2026, CM APPL. 4593/2026 MANJEET .....Petitioner Through: Ms. Neha Singh, Adv. versus INDIAN OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION (IOA) AND ORS .....Respondents Through: Mr. Gopal Jain Sr. Adv., Ms. Aashits Khanna, Ms. Aanya Agarwal, Mr. Vidushpat Singhania, Adv. for R1-2, Mr. Ruchir Mishra, Mr. Mukesh K Tiwari, Mr. Shubhendu Kaushik GP, Advs. for UOI CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE JASMEET SINGH JUDGMENT 1. This is a writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking the following prayers: “ A. Issue a writ of Mandamus/Certiorari directing the Respondents to forthwith include the Petitioner in the list of athletes representing India in Cross Country Skiing at the Winter Olympic Games, Milano Cortina 2026; Digitally Signed By:MAYANK W.P.(C) 936/2026 Page 1 of 21 Signing Date:30.01.2026 14:59:27 B. Declare the exclusion of the Petitioner from Olympic selection as arbitrary, illegal, and violative of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India; C. Quash the constitution and functioning of the Ad-hoc Committee insofar as it relates to the selection of athletes, being ex facie illegal, conflicted, and unsustainable in law;…” FACTUAL BACKGROUND 2. The facts of the present case reveal a disturbing departure from established norms governing Olympic selection and merit-based selection. The petitioner is an Indian athlete specialising in Cross Country Skiing and has been actively competing since the year 2021. The petitioner has consistently performed at the national level and has secured multiple medals at recognised competitions, including the National Winter Games and the Khelo India Winter Games, during the period 2022 to 2025. 3. Respondent