13-05-2025
State government tells HC it is contemplating legislation to protect women sportspersons
The State government has informed the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court that it is contemplating enacting a legislation to ensure the safety of women sportspersons during their training and participation in sports events.
State Public Prosecutor Hasan Mohammed Jinnah said that since enacting the legislation will take time, as an interim measure, certain guidelines had been issued for the safety of women sportspersons. Various protection measures and preventive steps had been taken by the government, and the duties and responsibilities of physical education teachers, coaches and other staff had been incorporated in the guidelines, he said.
Taking note of the submission, Justice K.K. Ramakrishnan observed that the government had acted swiftly in the interest of girl sportspersons, and issued detailed guidelines to be followed when they were taken for training and participation in sports events and competitions.
The court recorded its appreciation of the steps taken by the State Public Prosecutor and the Chief Secretary, and hoped the government would bring in suitable legislation in this regard as soon as possible.
In August 2024, the court had directed the Chief Secretary to address the issue of protection of women sportspersons from sexual harassment. In the interest of justice, and to achieve social justice, the court had directed the State government to provide accommodation at the State's cost for either the parents or the guardians of girls during sports events to avoid sexual harassment at the hands of coaches and organisers of such events.
The High Court had issued the direction while upholding the sentence imposed by a trial court on a physical education teacher for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old Kabaddi player whom he had accompanied for a State-level sports meet.
The High Court had observed that the State should take steps to prevent sexual harassment and sensitise the coaches since they, as 'gurus', were grooming and nurturing young talent into future champions. The right to enjoy a safe and supportive sports environment was a fundamental right of every woman sportsperson. Performance was linked to support and nurturing as much as it was to mental toughness, it had said.
The court posted the matter to July 21 for passing further orders.
