The High Court of Chhattisgarh has taken suo moto cognisance of a Dainik Bhaskar report that showed sports officials of the South East Central Railway (SECR) allegedly celebrating a birthday inside the railway’s boxing ring, drinking alcohol, and eating non-vegetarian food while using players’ mats as tables.
The court registered the matter as a Public Interest Litigation (WPPIL No. 94 of 2025) during the Deepawali holidays, between October 20 and 25, 2025, when the court was officially closed, and passed an order dated October 23, 2025. Acting in the public interest, Hon’ble the Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru took up the case, highlighting the judiciary’s commitment to matters affecting the dignity of public institutions and the misuse of sports facilities.
The bench directed the General Manager of SECR to conduct an internal enquiry into the allegations and to submit an affidavit with findings and any disciplinary measures before the next hearing scheduled for October 31, 2025.
According to the news report placed before the court, photographs circulating on social media showed the SECR Sports Cell in-charge, coaches, and a few players gathered inside the boxing ring. Bottles of alcohol and food were allegedly visible on mats usually used for players’ training. The gathering was reportedly organised to celebrate the birthdays of two officials.
During the video conference hearing, the High Court observed that if the incident is proven true, it represents serious misconduct and disregard for the sanctity of a facility meant for athletes. Senior SECR officials, including the General Manager, appeared before the court and assured that a detailed investigation was underway. The bench recorded the assurance and directed the GM to file a sworn report.
The issue has raised wider questions about accountability in sports administration within public sector organisations. The court’s proactive stance underscores its concern about maintaining discipline, respect, and integrity within training spaces.
A senior railway official quoted in the original report clarified that alcohol consumption within sports facilities is strictly prohibited and that any violation will result in firm disciplinary action.
The outcome of SECR’s enquiry will determine the next course of action. If the allegations are verified, internal proceedings are likely to follow. If not, the court may still order preventive steps to ensure such misuse never happens again. The matter will be heard again on October 31, 2025.
The case has attracted attention for two reasons: first, for the nature of the alleged misconduct, and second, for the court’s rare decision to take up the matter during the Deepawali break a sign of how seriously it views issues of public trust and institutional ethics.
Case Details : WPPIL No. 94 of 2025, In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation Based On News Item Published On Daily News Paper Dainik Bhaskar, Bilaspur Bhaskar, Dated 23.10.2025 Ye Sharmanak Hai- Photo Share Kar Khiladi Ne Likha- Khiladi Jis Boxing Ki Puja Karte Hai, Use Khel Adhikariyo Ne Maykhana Bana Diya. Khel Adhikariyo Ne Boxing Ring Me Manaya Birthday, Sharab-Nonvej Ki Party Viral. vs The Union Of India and Others
