Indian Express: Somebody in the system against Gurbaj Singh: HC

The hockey player was banned for nine months by Hockey India on August 10, for allegedly creating groupism in the team.

By: Express News Service | Chandigarh

Gurbaj Singh, Indian hockey player, Gurbaj Singh banned, hockey player Gurbaj Singh, Gurbaj Singh high court, Chandigarh news Gurbaj Singh was suspended for nine months by Hockey India in August.

The Punjab and Haryama High Court Wednesday observed that it could smell that there is “somebody in the system” against senior Indian hockey player Gurbaj Singh. The hockey player was banned for nine months by Hockey India on August 10, for allegedly creating groupism in the team.

After hearing the arguments in the case on Wednesday, Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain said, “I can smell that there is somebody in the system against him. Punishment must commensurate with the offence committed.”
The judge pointed out to the Hockey India’s lawyer that “you have given no reason for ban of nine long months. Their (sportsperson) life is very short, from 20 to 30 years. Show where such ban is provided for such allegations. There is no such punishment in the rules.”

Justice Jain further remarked, “You want players to make your slaves. If somebody speaks anything, he is banned. It is your access. You are banning him since he has complained about the food?” However, the Hockey India, in its reply, informed the court that Gurbaj Singh “has had a history of misbehaviour and misconduct during his career which has been brought to the attention of the authorities several times in the past”. It was also informed that the report received after the conclusion of the London Olympic Games, 2012, from coaches and the support staff contained adverse findings about Gurbaj Singh’s behaviour.

It was submitted that Gurbaj Singh “persisted with his indisciplined and disrespectful behaviour even after the London Olympic Games” and, therefore, the matter was put up before the disciplinary committee for a hearing on August 10 and he was given a chance to present his side of the story. Hockey India also raised questions on the jurisdiction of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to hear the case since it is located outside Delhi and Gurbaj Singh had n alternative remedy by way of appeal to the Hockey India Congress. After hearing arguments of both the sides, the court reserved its judgment in the case.

Gurbaj Singh had approached the high court on October 6, challenging the nine-month ban imposed on him for alleged groupism in the team. Former Hockey assistant coach Jude Felix had levelled allegations against Gurbaj for his alleged misconduct in the international tournaments. The ban had raised questions on the midfielder’s chances of representing the county in the 2016-Rio Olympics. In his petition, Gurbaj has submitted that before taking the decision to ban him for nine months, the Hockey India did not serve him a notice and also did not grant him any opportunity for hearing.