Bombay High Court directed Centre to decide on posthumous Padma Vibhushan for Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav. Court noted his undisputed status as India’s first individual Olympic medallist, seeking decision by May 4.
The Bombay High Court has directed the Union government to take a decision by May 4 on conferring the Padma Vibhushan award posthumously on wrestler Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, widely recognised as India’s first individual Olympic medallist.
Madhav Jamdar and Pravin Patil of the High Court’s Kolhapur bench observed that it is not disputed that Jadhav who was from Maharashtra achieved this distinction.
“The Union of India is directed to take an appropriate decision on or before May 4,” the High Court said, adding that the matter would be heard again on May 5.
PIL for Posthumous Padma Vibhushan
The direction came while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the ‘Kusteeveer Khashaba Jadhav Foundation’, established by his son Ranjeet Jadhav. The PIL sought a direction to the Ministry of Home Affairs (Padma Awards Cell) to reconsider and decide afresh the foundation’s request for the posthumous conferment of the Padma Vibhushan.
The court said,
“The state government, if required, shall comply with any requirements expeditiously,
Also Read: Allahabad High Court Examines ‘Misleading’ Gutka Advertisements Featuring Padma Awardees
Jadhav’s Olympic Achievement and Prior Recognition
Khashaba Jadhav, who died in 1984, won the bronze medal at the Helsinki Olympic Games in 1952. He also received the Arjuna Award posthumously in 2001.
According to the PIL, Jadhav’s family submitted multiple representations to the government seeking recognition, but received no response, which led the foundation to approach the High Court.
The court also noted that the Padma Vibhushan is India’s second-highest civilian award, given for exceptional and distinguished service. The High Court’s intervention is seen as supporting renewed efforts to formally acknowledge Jadhav’s contribution to Indian sports, with the central government expected to consider the historical significance of his Olympic achievement.