Delhi HC issues notice to Kalmadi on London Olympics trip

The Delhi high court on Wednesday issued notice to sacked CWG Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi on a plea seeking to stop him from going to London for the Olympic Games, says a report in The DNA, adding that the court asked him not to advance his departure to the UK scheduled for July 26.

A petition filed by advocate Rahul Mehra sought the court’s direction to restrain Kalmadi from going to London on the ground that he is facing trial in a corruption case and cannot be allowed to represent the country in an international event. The court has sought Kalmadi’s reply to Mehra’s pleas within three days.

Meanwhile according to a report in the Times Of India, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked sacked CWG Organizing Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi in what capacity was he going to London for the Olympics. "Is he going in his capacity of Indian Olympic Association president? Is he agreeable to go as a common spectator and attend the event? When does he propose to leave?" a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice AK Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw asked Kalmadi's lawyer.

On being told that Kalmadi was slated to leave for London on July 26, HC took on record his assurance and said, "Issue notice to IOA and Suresh Kalmadi. He (Kalmadi) is not going to leave the country before his scheduled date of July 26."

Appearing for Kamladi senior advocate Rajiv Nayyar informed HC that his client was invited as president of Asian Athletes Association and also for being a member, Council of International Association of Athletes Federation. Nayyar told HC that Kalmadi was not representing India at the event. Also issuing notice to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) HC posted the matter for July 24.