Judgement

SEN, J. :- The short question involved in these special leave petitions is whether the proper criterion to adopt for selection of candidates belonging to the category eminent sportsmen, for admission to the M.B.B.S. course, is pre-eminence in sports, and not academic excellence. In the prospectus issued by the State Government of Tamil Nadu for admission to the M.B.B.S. course for 1986-87 in the Government Medical Colleges in the State, there was reservation of three seats for the category eminent sportsmen as specified in category (iii) to Annexure I, also indicating the order of preference. The relevant provision reads :

"(iii) Eminent Sportsmen,

The order of preference is as follows :

(a) participation at International level, the candidate being sponsored by a national body.

(b) participation at national level, the candidate being sponsored by a State Body or University.

(c) Participation at State level, the candidate being sponsored by Zonal or District Association.

Sponsorship Certificate should be produced. If not produced, candidate will not be considered under this category.

Note : Candidates applying for admission to categories (i), (ii) and (iii) must have secured 50