The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday put a stay on the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna to be awarded to tennis ace Sania Mirza after paralympian H Girisha filed a plea against it.
In fact, the high court has issued a notice to Centre regarding the same.
Girisha who had won a Silver in the Men’s High Jump at the 2012 Summer Paralympics, moved the High Court seeking stay on the award by arguing that she didn’t win any medal during 2011-2014.
Girisha also sought the court’s directive to the Central government to ensure proper appraisal and assessment of nominees by following rules, ensuring transparency. He also urged the court to order the Centre to consider his nomination for the award on merit.
Sania on Tuesday became only the second tennis player to be recommended for the prestigious award.
The 28-year-old, who has won three mixed doubles Grand Slams in her career, beat competition from squash player Deepika Pallikal, discus thrower Vikas Gowda, track and field star Tintu Luka, rising shuttler PV Sindhu, and hockey captain Sardar Singh for the coveted honour.
Sania, currently ranked world number one in women’s doubles, scripted history by becoming the first Indian to clinch a women’s doubles Grand Slam when she partnered Swiss great Martina Hingis for the Wimbledon trophy earlier this year.
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