In a significant legal development, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has intervened in the case of Megha Parmar, the first woman from the state to scale Mount Everest, who was excluded from the 2023 Vikram Award list. The court's decision allows Parmar to approach the state government with a formal representation seeking reconsideration of her eligibility for the prestigious award.
Background of the Vikram Award
Instituted on May 15, 1990, the Vikram Award is the highest sports honor conferred by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. It recognizes outstanding performance in national and international sports competitions. The award includes a cash prize of ₹2,00,000, along with a blazer, tie, and certificate. Athletes who have represented the state in national and international competitions for a minimum of two years within the past five years are eligible for consideration. The award is presented by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh through the Sports and Youth Welfare Department.
Megha Parmar's Achievements
Megha Parmar's mountaineering journey is a testament to her determination and resilience. Hailing from Sehore district, she became the first woman from Madhya Pradesh to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 22, 2019. Her achievement not only brought pride to the state but also inspired many aspiring mountaineers, especially women, to pursue their dreams. In addition to her Everest conquest, Parmar has scaled the highest peaks of four other continents and set a world record in technical scuba diving by reaching a depth of 147 feet in the Bay of Bengal. Her accomplishments have earned her recognition as a youth icon and a motivational speaker at various esteemed institutions.
Exclusion from the 2023 Vikram Award List
Despite her remarkable achievements, Megha Parmar's name was not included in the 2023 Vikram Award list. The state government announced that Kumari Bhavna Dehariya had been selected for the award. This decision prompted Parmar to file a writ petition before the Madhya Pradesh High Court, challenging her exclusion and seeking inclusion in the award list.
Court's Intervention
Justice Amit Seth, while hearing Parmar's petition, observed that it was open for the petitioner to represent her claim before the state authorities, raising all relevant grounds. The court directed the state to consider Parmar's representation in accordance with the law and granted two weeks for the government to file a response. This interim relief provides Parmar with an opportunity to present her case directly to the state government, which may lead to a reconsideration of her eligibility for the award.
Legal and Social Implications
The court's decision underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in the selection process for state honors. It also highlights the legal recourse available to individuals who believe they have been unjustly excluded from such recognitions. For Megha Parmar, this legal intervention not only offers a chance for personal redress but also serves as a precedent for others in similar situations.
Conclusion
As the matter progresses, the Madhya Pradesh High Court's intervention in Megha Parmar's case serves as a reminder of the judiciary's role in ensuring justice and fairness in the conferment of state honors. It also emphasizes the need for a transparent and accountable process in recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the state's pride and prestige.
0 Comments
Thank you for your response. It will help us to improve in the future.