The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken serious note of the incident at the sports nursery in Rohtak, where a basketball pole collapsed, leading to the death of a teenage player in November last year.
In its recent order, the Commission observed that the incident prima facie revealed a serious violation of human rights, particularly the right to life, safety and dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The Chairman of the Committee directed that the Principal Secretary, Haryana Government and Chandigarh Sports Department constitute a high-level inquiry committee.
Hardik Rathi, a national level basketball player, died after an iron pole from a basketball hoop fell on him during training in Lakhan Majra, Rohtak district last November.
Also read: Rusty pole and neglect of maintenance: What led to the tragic death of a basketball player in Rohtak
The Deputy Commissioner of Rohtak submitted a report in accordance with the commission’s order dated December 18, 2025. However, the report failed to provide any objective details regarding the cause of the accident, adherence to safety norms, or award of compensation to the bereaved family, the commission said in its order dated February 11.
It only indicates a penalty $17,80,294 from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) portal for the construction of a basketball court, the report said.
Although an investigation committee was formed on November 26 last year, the detailed report has not yet been submitted.
In addition, there appears to be no clear mechanism in terms of safety inspections of sports equipment and infrastructure, or standard operating procedures (SOP) for obtaining compensation.
Also Read: Death of teenage basketball players in Haryana shocks, sends ripples through sports players
Justice Lalit Batra, Chairman, HHRC, observed that Haryana has always been at the forefront of sports excellence and has invested significant public funds in developing sports infrastructure.
In such circumstances, the state must ensure safety, quality control and regular maintenance of facilities constructed from public resources. Any lapse in this regard not only frustrates the goal of promoting sports, but also jeopardizes the safety of young athletes.
The committee stressed that if the basketball pole was rusty and unsafe, and if officials failed to address the problem despite repeated warnings, it would constitute gross negligence. According to the committee, this constitutes a violation of the state’s constitutional obligation.
Patra issued several directives and recommendations. Principal Secretary, Government of Haryana, Sports Department, Chandigarh, has been directed to constitute a high-level inquiry committee.
The committee is responsible for determining the exact cause of the accident and assigning responsibility to the officials, engineers or contractors concerned.
It must examine whether approved designs, quality standards and maintenance protocols have been duly followed.
A statewide audit should be conducted of all government-operated sports nurseries and sports facilities regarding structural stability and safety compliance.
A unified mechanism for regular inspection, third-party structural certification and systematic maintenance should be recommended.
Appropriate compensation should be considered for the bereaved family, taking into account the seriousness of the loss and the future prospects of the deceased player.
Structured and time-bound standard operating procedures must be formulated to ensure immediate interim relief and final compensation in cases of death or serious injury in state-run or funded sports facilities.
The committee shall comprise a Senior IAS Officer (Chairman), Director General Sports and Youth Affairs, Senior Structural Engineer and a National Level Distinguished Athlete/Arjuna Awardee as members.
Batra explained that the matter goes beyond an isolated incident, and raises significant concerns about public safety, administrative accountability and the fundamental right to life of young athletes.
The committee called for taking quick and effective measures to prevent future tragedies.
The next session is scheduled to be held on May 19.
Assistant Registrar, HHRC, Puneet Arora, said that the Principal Secretary of the Sports Department has been directed to ensure that the inquiry committee report is submitted at least one week before the next scheduled hearing.
The Director General of the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs was directed to quickly submit the pending detailed report.
