New Delhi: The Delhi High Court today (Oct 15, 2004) issued notices to the Government, Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Weightlifting Federation of India (WFI) and others on a petition filed by weightlifter Pratima Kumari challenging the life ban imposed on her.

Justice S K Kaul sought replies from the respondents and fixed the matter for further hearing on January 25 next year.

Pratima, who tested positive for drugs at Athens Olympics, had yesterday (Oct 14, 2004) challenged before the Court the life ban imposed on her by the Indian Olympic Association while claiming damages of Rs five crore for undergoing mental agony and embarrassment.

Contending that the life ban imposed on the three weightlifters, Pratima, Sanamacha Chanu and S Sunaina, on the basis of the report of two-member Committee comprising K P Singh Deo and Man Mohan Singh, was illegal, the writ petition filed through counsel Sushil Salwan said it was against the rules and regulation of WFI.

Pratima, who tested positive for testosterone, has also named banned national coach Pal Singh Sandhu, Russian coach Leonid Taranenko and M K Mishra, Chief Executive Officer, Dope Control Centre, SAI, as respondents in the writ.