Case Note & Summary
The petitioner, Miss Iha Diwan, filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a declaration that Rule 5 of the Rules of Racing of the Rowing Federation of India (RFI) is unconstitutional. The rule excluded Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) from participating in National Rowing Championships. At the time of filing, the petitioner was a minor. The respondents included the Union of India (Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Home Affairs), the Rowing Federation of India, and the Tamil Nadu Amateur Rowing Association. The court noted that the petitioner had since attained the age of majority and that the conditions imposed at the relevant time had lost their relevance. Additionally, a connected writ petition (W.P.No.13308 of 2013) was withdrawn on the same day. In view of these developments, the court held that the issue had become infructuous and closed the writ petition without addressing the merits of the constitutional challenge. The connected miscellaneous petition was also closed, and no costs were awarded.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Writ Jurisdiction - Infructuous Petition - Article 226 of the Constitution of India - The petitioner challenged a rule excluding PIO/OCI from national rowing championships. However, the petitioner attained majority and the conditions imposing the restriction lost relevance. The connected writ petition was withdrawn. Held that the issue has become infructuous and the writ petition is closed without adjudication on merits (Paras 2-3).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the restriction excluding Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) from National Rowing Championships under Rule 5 of the Rules of Racing of the Rowing Federation of India is unconstitutional.
Final Decision
The writ petition is closed as the issue has lost its relevance and the petitioner has attained the age of majority. The connected miscellaneous petition is closed. No costs.
Law Points
- Writ of declaration
- Infructuous petition
- Attaining majority
- Loss of relevance
