Introduction:

In the matter of Megha Parmar @ Megha Parmar Sharma (Post Marriage) v. State of Madhya Pradesh & Others (W.P. No. 20216 of 2025), the Madhya Pradesh High Court addressed a writ petition by mountaineer Megha Parmar, who seeks inclusion in the Vikram Award List 2023.

Arguments:

Parmar, recognized as the first female mountaineer from Madhya Pradesh to summit Mount Everest, moved an interim application for inclusion, arguing she met award criteria under Puraskar Niyam 2021—especially Rule 9(2)(iii), which prioritizes earlier ascents. Represented by Senior Advocate Vivek Tankha and Atul Kumar Jain, Parmar emphasized her qualifications and expressed that the State must consider her case based on objective provisions. The State, through Additional Advocate General Swapnil Ganguly, submitted that an expert committee had already selected Kumari Bhavna Dehariya for the award; her selection was not under challenge, nor was she made a party. Ganguly requested time to file a formal reply.

Judgement:

After hearing both sides, Justice Amit Seth held that Parmar may file a representation before the State within two weeks, and the State shall respond according to law. As the matter hinges on discretionary executive action following prescribed rules, and involves contentions of timing and procedural fairness, the court found it premature to intervene via mandamus without an opportunity for reconsideration. The petition was thus “dealt with on interim basis,” allowing Parmar to approach the State through proper channels and ensuring equal treatment under the regulations. The court listed the matter for further hearing after two weeks.