Ban on FMSCI president J Prithiviraj overturned

Tamil Nadu,Sports,Motorsports

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Chennai, March 16 (IANS) The Indian Motor Sport Appellate Committee (IMSAC) has overturned a ban imposed on J Prithiviraj from officiating in national championships, following the death of three trespassing motorcyclists during the Rally of Jodhpur last year.

According to a press release issued by the Coimbatore Auto Sports Club, the IMSAC has upheld his appeal, declaring that the ban imposed on Prithiviraj, who is the president of the FMSCI, was violative of all principles of natural justice.

In September last year, top rally driver Gaurav Gill had crashed into a trespassing motorcycle carrying three people, including a minor, during the rally, forcing the organisers to call off the event.

"He was not put on sufficient notice before imposing (such a) major punishment," the release, quoting the order, declared, absolving him of any lapses while organising the rally. Prithiviraj was not even given an opportunity to defend himself and his indictment was announced.

"I am glad that justice has prevailed," Prithiviraj said. "As COC of the rally, I had taken all the required precautions to ensure safety of the drivers and spectators. There were no lapses on our part," he added.

"As president of FMSCI, I would like to add that the motorsports fraternity has taken all the steps to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in line with the government measures. I pray that we overcome this soon and get back on fast mode as many have taken to this sport professionally," Prithiviraj said.

The IMSAC noted in its verdict that the process itself was illegal and could not stand any test of reasonable conduct, especially as the council had not been given any power to impose any ban, either in the Articles of Association of the FMSCI or in its sporting code.

--IANS

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