“You can't issue fatwa like that”: Bombay High Court pulls up Maha Basketball Association for barring players from Mini Olympic Games

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday pulled up the Maha Basketball Association (MBA) for not being supportive of the basketball players in Maharashtra and restraining them from taking part in Mini Olympic Games of 2023..A bench of Justices GS Patel and SG Dige said that the association was being ignorant of the passion of the players and the conditions they overcome to play the sport. "You cannot issue fatwas like this. You are putting an end to a person’s sporting career," Justice Patel said. The remarks by the bench prompted the MBA to withdraw the circular, paving the way for over 192 players (male and female) to participate in the Mini Olympic Games.The Court was hearing a petition filed by five basketball players associated with district level basketball associations challenging a circular issued by MBA barring players from taking part in Mini Olympic Games which is being held between January 2 to 12 this year.The circular said that in the event any of the players, coach, manager or support staff from MBA participates in the games, they will not be permitted to participate in any future tournaments organised by the MBA or even the Basketball Federation of India..Advocates Saket Mone and Devansh Shah, appearing for the players, contended that the players want to play basketball and could join the games through their individual district associations. The counsel for MBA said that the Maharashtra Olympic Association was not giving official recognition to the MBA.However, the Bench was not satisfied with MBA’s contention. “Do not make this into an affiliation politics. Just let them play basketball. We will stay this order," Justice Patel said. .The judge said that such measures by the sports body will kill the sport and the passion players have for it.“Do you understand what is the condition of basketball in the State? Who are these players? Drivers, bus conductors. They start playing at 11 in the night. They find a court, and then they play. This is their only passion, and you are out to kill it. You will not prejudice these players,” the judge made it clear.The bench then ordered MBA to take instructions and inform if it was willing to withdraw the circular. “Will you recognise them directly? Your method of conduct in the circular leaves nothing to be desired. Because this is a power play by your association to gain control. If you show how you will support, then fine. But if you oppose these players, we will have to shut you down. You will immediately, ensure that each member will automatically get membership and they will be permitted to play. You will withdraw this circular right away,” the judge said..Subsequently, after taking instructions, the MBA lawyer informed the Court that the circular has been withdrawn.