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Punjab and Haryana High Court Upholds Sports as Fundamental Right, Directs UT Administration to Preserve Tennis Facilities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a significant ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has emphasized the importance of sports as a fundamental right, as enshrined in the UNESCO charter, and directed the UT administration to ensure that young enthusiasts continue to have access to tennis facilities in Chandigarh. The court's decision was made in response to a public interest litigation filed by parents of trainees at the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA), whose lease on the Tennis Stadium in Sector 10-C had been terminated by the administration.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that sports are a fundamental right under the UNESCO charter, emphasizing the importance of preserving access to sporting facilities for young enthusiasts.
  • The court has directed the UT administration to ensure that the Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Association (CLTA) continues to have access to the Tennis Stadium in Sector 10-C, despite the expiration of its lease agreement.
  • The court has also observed that the administration's decision to terminate the lease was "pure and simple contractual" and should have been taken to a civil court or through arbitration.
  • The bench has emphasized the importance of promoting sports as a healthy activity that leads to a healthy mind and helps in developing responsible and capable citizens.
  • The court has also invoked international and national frameworks, including the UNESCO Charter and The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, in making its decision.

Statistics:

  • The CLTA has been providing affordable coaching and other facilities to young tennis enthusiasts in Chandigarh for the past three years.
  • The administration had directed the CLTA to vacate the premises within seven days, leaving several students from outside Chandigarh without access to training facilities.
  • The UNESCO Charter postulates that practice of physical education, physical activity, and sport is a fundamental right for all.

Sources:

  • The Indian Express Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., 2025.
  • Contify.com.

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