Mere Participation In National Games, Regardless Of Position & Performance Does Not Guarantee Sports Quota In Educational Institutions: J&K High Court

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has ruled that simply participating in National or International level sports competitions doesn't entitle a person to reservation under the J&K Sports Policy. Citing various provisions of J&K Sports policy a bench of Justice Rajesh Sekhri clarified, “A plain reading of clause 6.3.4, on first blush would indicate that mere participation or representation of a sportsperson at a National or International level shall make him entitled to reservation in University Academic/technical courses”. Court Observations: Delving into the intricacies of the J&K Sports Policy, particularly clause 6.3.4, and juxtaposing it with the rules of 2008 and their amendments Justice Sekhri highlighted the definition of "candidates possessing outstanding proficiency" and underscored the importance of performance and achievement, debunking Sahil's claim solely based on representation. “Clause 6.3.4 of the J&K Sports Policy cannot be read in isolation and if the said clause is read in conjunction with Rule 2 of Rules of 2008 read with Amended Rules of 2008, it is manifestly clear that petitioner is not eligible for selection under the Sports Category, for the simple reason that he has neither participated and secured one of first three positions in the individual events or the team event in a National championship. While upholding the authority of the Sports Council to certify eligibility and emphasising its role in verifying adherence to policy guidelines the court stated, “a plain reading of rule 6.3.3 of the J&K Sports Policy would indicate that role assigned to Sports Council is not confined to examination of authenticity or genuineness or otherwise of a sports certificate, but it is the sole authority to certify the eligibility of a candidate seeking admission in professional courses under the “Sports Quota”.