Delhi HC issues notice to Centre on plea alleging discrimination in cash awards for deaf athletes

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (August 12, 2025) issued a notice to the Centre on a petition challenging the Centre’s revised cash award policy for sports persons, claiming it discriminates against deaf sports persons.

The plea, filed by celebrated deaf athletes including international and national medal winners, challenged the “Scheme of Cash Award to Medal Winners in International Sports Events” issued on February 1, 2025.

The petitioners, represented by advocate Ajay Verma, contended that the scheme grants significantly lower monetary rewards to deaf athletes compared to para sports persons for equivalent sporting performances.

This, Mr. Verma, argued violates the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and infringes constitutional guarantees under Articles 14 and 21. He further submitted that it runs contrary to Supreme Court rulings mandating equal treatment for persons with disabilities engaged in similar fields.

“Deaf sports persons have consistently brought laurels to the country at international sporting events of comparable stature to para-sport competitions. However, the present policy denies them equal monetary recognition, thereby undermining their dignity and contribution,” Mr. Verma told the court.

The petitioners have sought striking down the contested provisions of the February 1 policy. They also urged for a direction for equal cash awards for deaf and para sportspersons for the same level of achievement.

The petitioners also sought direction to extend benefits under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) to eligible deaf sportspersons to ensure fair training and preparatory support.

Apart from these, they have also sought full integration of deaf sportspersons into India’s sports policy framework and incentive schemes.

The court will hear the case again on October 29.