Karnataka High Court Orders Compensation for Chess Player Denied MBBS Seat

Bengaluru: In a landmark judgement, the Karnataka High Court has mandated the state government to pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation to Sanjana Raghunath, a distinguished international chess player. The ruling comes after Sanjana was unjustly denied an MBBS seat under the sports quota, despite her eligibility and accomplishments in the sport. This decision highlights the importance of adhering to established regulations in academic admissions, particularly for athletes who have excelled in their fields.

Background of the Case

Sanjana Raghunath, a resident of Bengaluru, has represented India in numerous national and international chess competitions. Her notable achievements include winning a gold medal at a FIDE Chess Championship and participating in the 2018 Asia Youth Chess Championship. Despite her commendable track record, she was classified incorrectly in the P-5 category of the sports quota by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA), instead of the appropriate P-1 category. This misclassification was deemed a violation of the rules governing the sports quota.

The Court’s Findings

The division bench, led by Chief Justice N V Anjaria and Justice K V Arvind, examined the circumstances surrounding Sanjana’s application and found that the KEA’s June 2023 circular categorising her as P-5 contravened the established regulations set forth in 2009. During the proceedings, Sanjana’s legal counsel provided evidence of her qualifications for the P-1 category, asserting that the misclassification significantly impacted her chances of securing a seat in a government medical college.

The court ruled that the error committed by the KEA not only violated the rules but also led to substantial financial repercussions for Sanjana. She was compelled to pay around Rs 11 lakh for a seat in a private medical college under the management quota, a direct result of the denied opportunity under the sports quota.

Compensation and Implications

Recognising the loss of opportunity and the financial burden placed on Sanjana, the court ordered the Karnataka government to pay her Rs 10 lakh in compensation within a six-week timeframe. The ruling acknowledged that Sanjana could not be admitted to the same academic year or any future year under the government quota due to the erroneous classification. This judgement serves as a reminder of the importance of accurate representation and the need for authorities to adhere to the rules that govern sports quota classifications.

Legal Counsel’s Argument

During the hearing, Sanjana’s legal counsel robustly argued that she was indeed fully qualified for the P-1 category based on her achievements. The argument was bolstered by her extensive participation in various prestigious tournaments, including the 32nd Under-13 National Girls Chess Championship and the Commonwealth Chess Championship. The court upheld this argument and invalidated the KEA’s June 2023 circular, reinforcing the necessity for transparent and fair practices in academic admissions.

Conclusion

This ruling not only provides justice to Sanjana Raghunath but also underscores the critical need for educational authorities to follow established guidelines rigorously. The case exemplifies how the intersection of sports and education can sometimes lead to discrepancies that affect deserving candidates. The compensation awarded to Sanjana acknowledges her efforts and sacrifices as an athlete and serves as a precedent for ensuring that future applicants are treated fairly and justly within the education system.