Supreme Court Deems 75% Eligibility Condition for Sports Quota “Unwarranted and Discriminatory”
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has struck down the criterion requiring students to secure a minimum of 75% marks in board examinations to be eligible for admission under the sports quota. The apex court termed the condition as “unwarranted and discriminatory.”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The judgment, which has been widely reported by major legal news outlets, emphasizes the principle that “unequals must not be treated equally.”
The court observed that such a high percentage criterion could potentially sideline many talented sportspersons who might not have achieved academically due to their rigorous sports commitments.
Views of division bench of Justice S Ravindra Bhat and Justice Aravind Kumar was that the objective of the sports quota, was to promote and encourage sports, and sportsmanship in educational institutions.
The bench said quoting the judgement,
“No doubt it must bear rational nexus to the objects sought to be achieved’,”
The bench, while delivering the verdict, was quoted saying
“The condition of securing 75% marks in the qualifying examination for being eligible to be considered for admission under the sports quota is not only unwarranted but also patently discriminatory.”
The decision has been hailed by many in the sports and education sectors, as it acknowledges the unique challenges faced by student-athletes. The ruling underscores the need to strike a balance between academic achievements and sporting prowess.
The Supreme Court’s judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for educational institutions across the country, ensuring that budding sportspersons are not unfairly penalized for their dedication to their sport.