Introduction:

In a notable judgment, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has admonished the Sports Department of Chandigarh Administration for its refusal to issue a Sports Gradation Certificate to a national-level shooter, solely because he was not a student from a school recognized by the Chandigarh Administration. The petitioner, Manraj Singh Chatha, aspired to secure admission in Panjab University’s law program through the sports quota.

Arguments of Both Sides:

Represented by Advocate Vishal Aggarwal, Manraj Singh Chatha argued that the denial of the Sports Gradation Certificate was unjust, arbitrary, and irrational. Chatha highlighted that he had represented Chandigarh at both the state and national levels in shooting competitions, organized by the Chandigarh Rifle Association, which is affiliated with the National Rifle Association of India and the Chandigarh Olympic Association. Despite his achievements, the Chandigarh Administration denied his certificate on the basis that he was not a regular student from a school recognized by the Administration.

Chatha emphasized that the policy cited by the Administration was irrelevant in his case because he was not seeking admission to an institution under the control of the Chandigarh Administration but to Panjab University, which is outside its jurisdiction. The petitioner asserted that his accomplishments as an athlete should take precedence, and the policy should not be applied in a manner that undermines the opportunities available to sportspeople like him.

The respondents, represented by Advocate Akshay Kumar Goel for the Sports Department of Chandigarh Administration and Advocate Sanjiv Ghai for Panjab University, argued that the decision to deny the certificate was in line with the policy dated May 5, 2003. According to this policy, a sports gradation certificate can only be issued to students who have been regular students of recognized schools/colleges within the Union Territory of Chandigarh for at least two years before applying for the certificate.

The respondents maintained that the Administration’s policy was clear and intended to ensure that benefits under the sports quota were reserved for those who had a sustained educational connection with Chandigarh. They argued that this policy was necessary to prevent misuse of the sports quota and to ensure fairness in the allocation of limited seats reserved for sports candidates.

Court’s Judgement:

Justice Sandeep Moudgil delivered a comprehensive judgment, vehemently criticizing the Chandigarh Administration’s decision. He pointed out that the policy’s application in this case was misplaced, as the petitioner was seeking admission to Panjab University, which is not governed by the Chandigarh Administration. Justice Moudgil emphasized that Chatha’s representation of Chandigarh at state and national levels should be the primary consideration.

The court stated, “It would be totally unjust, unfair, arbitrary, and irrational to deny issuance of Sports Gradation Certificate to the petitioner on the pretext that he was not a student from the schools/colleges recognized by the Chandigarh Administration and situated in the Union Territory of Chandigarh despite the fact that he is not seeking admission in any of the institutions under the control of Chandigarh Administration.”

Justice Moudgil highlighted the importance of supporting sportspeople who represent their states and countries, noting that policies should facilitate their growth and opportunities rather than hinder them. The court observed that the petitioner had played in various prestigious championships, representing Chandigarh, and that these achievements should be duly recognized.

The court also noted the high-handedness of the authorities in denying the certificate without proper endorsement or memo/diary number, underscoring that public authorities must act fairly and justly, especially in a social welfare state.

In its conclusion, the court set aside the order denying the certificate and directed the Sports Department of Chandigarh Administration to issue the necessary Sports Gradation Certificate within three days of receiving the certified copy of the judgment. Furthermore, the court directed Panjab University to reserve one seat for the petitioner in the B.A./B.Com (Hons.), L.L.B (5 years integrated course), subject to his eligibility and merit, ensuring that the admission process could be completed in a timely manner.