The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken serious note of the incident at a sports nursery in Rohtak, where a basketball pole collapsed and led to the death of a teenage player in November last year.
In a recent order, the panel observed that the incident prima facie showed a serious violation of human rights, especially the right to life, safety and dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The chairperson of the HHRC ordered the Principal Secretary to the Haryana government and the Sports Department to form a high-powered investigation committee.
Hardik Rathi, a national-level basketball player, lost his life after the iron pole of a basketball hoop fell on him during practice in Lakhan Majra in Rohtak district last November.
The Rohtak Deputy Commissioner submitted its findings according to the commission’s order dated December 18, 2025. However, the commission said in its February 11 order that the report did not provide clear details about the cause of the incident, safety compliance, or compensation to the bereaved family.
The report only mentioned the sanction of Rs 17,80,294 from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) portal for constructing a basketball stadium, the commission noted. Although an inquiry committee was formed on November 26 last year, its detailed report has still not been submitted.
The commission also noted that there appears to be no clear system for regular safety inspections of sports equipment and infrastructure, nor a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for compensation.
Justice Lalit Batra, Chairperson of the HHRC, noted that Haryana has long been known for excellence in sports and has spent significant public funds on sports infrastructure.
In such a situation, the state must ensure proper safety, quality control and regular maintenance of facilities built with public money. Any lapse defeats the purpose of promoting sports and puts young athletes at risk.
The commission pointed out that if the basketball pole was rusted and unsafe, and if officials ignored repeated warnings, it would amount to gross negligence and a violation of the State’s constitutional duty.
Justice Batra issued several directions and recommendations. He directed the Principal Secretary, Sports Department, Haryana, to set up a high-powered inquiry committee. The committee will identify the exact cause of the incident and fix responsibility on the officials concerned, engineers or contractors. It will also examine whether approved designs, safety standards and maintenance protocols were properly followed.
A state-wide audit of all Sports Nurseries and government-run sports facilities will be conducted to check structural stability and safety compliance. The committee will recommend a uniform system for regular inspections, third-party structural certification and proper maintenance.
It will also consider appropriate compensation for the bereaved family, keeping in mind the seriousness of the loss and the deceased player’s future prospects. A clear and time-bound SOP will be framed to ensure immediate interim relief and final compensation in cases of death or serious injury at state-run or state-funded sports facilities.
The committee will include a senior IAS officer as Chairperson, the Director General of Sports and Youth Affairs, a senior structural engineer, and a distinguished national-level sportsperson or Arjuna Awardee as members. Justice Batra said the matter goes beyond a single accident and raises serious concerns about public safety, administrative accountability and the fundamental right to life of young athletes.
The commission has called for immediate and effective steps to prevent such tragedies in the future. The next hearing is scheduled for May 19. Assistant Registrar Dr Puneet Arora has directed the Principal Secretary, Sports Department, to submit a report one week before the hearing.
The Director General of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department has also been told to submit the pending detailed report at the earliest.
Also read: After athlete deaths, CM orders safety checks of sports complexes
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