Sun Feb 22 10:10:19 UTC 2026: # Haryana Human Rights Commission Investigates Athlete’s Death Due to Collapsed Basketball Pole

The Story:
The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken cognizance of a tragic incident at a sports nursery in Lakhan Majra, Rohtak, where Hardik Rathi, a 16-year-old emerging national-level basketball player, died on November 25, 2025, after a basketball pole collapsed on him during practice. The HHRC, led by Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra, has deemed the incident a grave violation of human rights, particularly the right to life, safety, and dignity guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

The commission has scheduled a full hearing for May 19, 2026, and has issued directives to the principal secretary of the sports department and the director-general of sports and youth affairs to submit detailed reports on the incident and subsequent investigations. The HHRC has expressed dissatisfaction with the initial report submitted by the Rohtak deputy commissioner, citing a lack of substantive details regarding the cause of the accident, safety adherence, and compensation for the bereaved family.

Key Points:

  • Hardik Rathi, a 16-year-old basketball player, died on November 25, 2025, when a basketball pole collapsed at a sports nursery in Lakhan Majra, Rohtak.
  • The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has taken cognizance of the incident, citing a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution.
  • Justice Lalit Batra, HHRC Chairperson, emphasized the need for accountability and investigation into systemic failures.
  • The principal secretary of the sports department has been directed to form a high-powered inquiry committee to determine the cause and fix responsibility.
  • A statewide audit of sports nurseries and government-run facilities will be conducted to assess structural stability and safety compliance.
  • The HHRC has directed the consideration of appropriate compensation for the bereaved family.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incident highlights a critical failure in the maintenance and safety of public sports infrastructure in Haryana.
  • The HHRC’s intervention underscores the state’s constitutional obligation to protect the right to life and safety of its citizens, especially young athletes.
  • The need for a structured mechanism for regular inspection, third-party certification, and systematic maintenance of sports facilities is paramount.
  • The absence of a clear standard operating procedure for compensation in cases of death or grievous injury exacerbates the tragedy.
  • The incident raises serious questions about administrative negligence and dereliction of duty on the part of state authorities.

Impact Analysis:

This incident is likely to have a significant long-term impact on the sports infrastructure and administration in Haryana. The HHRC’s directives for a statewide audit, the formation of a high-powered inquiry committee, and the establishment of a standard operating procedure for compensation will likely lead to:

  • Increased scrutiny of sports infrastructure projects and maintenance protocols.
  • Greater accountability for officials and contractors involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of sports facilities.
  • Improved safety standards and regular inspections of sports facilities across the state.
  • A more transparent and equitable system for providing compensation to victims of accidents at state-run or state-funded sports facilities.
  • A renewed focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes in Haryana.

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