Arjuna Awards Controversy: Manoj Kumar's Case in Delhi High Court on Tuesday

Boxer Manoj Kumar's case will come up for hearing in Delhi High Court on Tuesday morning. The 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medalist had earlier sued the Sports Ministry for not being included on the list of this year's Arjuna Awardees.

Manoj had said he felt insulted after being 'snubbed' for the prestigious honour. Jai Bhagwan instead was nominated for the Arjuna Awards - India's highest honour for sporting excellence. The selection - and the consequent decision to make no changes to the original list - came as a shock to Manoj who said that he had been assured of being in the 15-athlete list.

"When my elder brother met the Sports Secretary on August 13, the Sports Secretary had admitted that there was a mistake on the part of the ministry by mistakenly thinking that I was involved in a dope offence. Mr Ajit Sharan had told my brother that my name will be added in the review meeting," he was quoted as saying.

"The SAI DG himself called me up the next day (August 14) that my case will be considered and no injustice would be done to me. He assured me that my name will be added in the Arjuna list. But all these turned out to be false promises and they have backtracked now. I have a trial for the Asian Games next week and I am in severe mental stress," he said. Sports Authority of India (SAI) DG Jiji Thomson, who was part of the committee, previously said the panel discussed seven athletes in the review meeting but it was unanimously agreed that no changes were needed.

Manoj had recently competed in the 64kg category in the Glasgow edition of Commonwealth Games but had lost in the quarterfinal round. The 27-year-old though feels he deserves the honour as he won two bronze medals in the Asian Championships as well.

His case will be fought by renowned litigation officer Rahul Mehra.