In a case where legal strategy mirrored the complexities of chess, the Karnataka High Court ruled in favor of international chess player Sanjana Raghunath, ordering the state to pay ₹10 lakh in compensation for denying her a rightful seat under the sports quota for an MBBS program.
The court, led by Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Aravind, declared the state’s actions arbitrary and illegal, noting that Raghunath had been forced to accept a costly private medical seat despite being eligible for a government seat under the sports category. This, the court concluded, caused her undue hardship, both financially and emotionally.
The controversy stemmed from a June 2023 circular issued by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), which stipulated that only sports achievements within a specific timeframe — between June 1, 2018, and May 31, 2023 — would be considered for the sports quota. Despite Raghunath’s impressive achievements, including victories at the Asian Youth Championship and the Commonwealth Chess Championship, her success in April 2018 fell just outside the KEA’s window, rendering her ineligible.
Arguing her case, Raghunath pointed out that the arbitrary cutoff ignored her international accolades and long-standing commitment to the sport. Despite securing a strong rank in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), she was denied a government seat and forced to pay over ₹11 lakh for a private spot.
The court condemned the KEA’s rigid approach, criticizing the failure to recognize the time, effort, and national pride associated with Raghunath’s sporting journey. However, with all sports quota seats for the current academic year already filled, the court acknowledged it would be impractical to reverse the admissions process.
Instead, the judges ruled that monetary compensation was the appropriate remedy, ordering the state to pay ₹10 lakh within six weeks to address the damage done to both Raghunath’s academic and sporting aspirations.
In its verdict, the court stressed the importance of supporting athletes like Raghunath, who not only excel academically but also dedicate themselves to representing the country on international platforms. The decision serves as a critical reminder of the need for fair and thoughtful policies that honor such dedication without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.