Reservations in sports quota for government posts must adhere to constitutional equality, permitting all curricula.

JUDGMENT

Dated this the 15^th day of September, 2025 The petitioner completed his 12^th standard under the Central Board of Secondary Education and SSLC under the Kerala State Syllabus. The petitioner is a meritorious sportsman in swimming.

2. This writ petition is filed since the 1^st respondent is taking a stand that the reservation for appointment in the Sports Quota for the posts in the Government of Kerala as well as authorities under the Government of Kerala is exclusively reserved for students studying in the Schools following the Kerala Education Rules syllabus.

3. Thus, persons like the petitioner, who are excellent sportsmen having won large number of recognitions in sports especially aquatic and swimming at State, South India levels and have participated in the National Competition, are denied the sports quota appointment in the State Government Sector. This is discriminatory and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India, contends the petitioner.

4. I have heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader representing the respondents.

5. The petitioner is seeking the following reliefs:- “i) Declare that the stand of the respondents that sports quota appointment in State Government Service and Government Control Institution of 1^st respondent will be given only to persons who had studied in the schools under Kerala Education Act and Rules is illegal and unconstitutional.

ii. Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus commanding the 1^st respondent to consider for appointment in the sports quota of 1^st respondent and Institutions controlled by 1^st respondent to persons who are qualified and had studied in CBSE and other related category curriculums along with persons who had qualified and studied in KER schools.

iii. Issue writ in the nature of mandamus commanding the respondents 1 to 3 to reconsider the petitioner’s application for appointment under the Sports Quota, by duly taking into account his achievements as proved by Exhibits P5 to P11.”

6. The relief sought for by the petitioner would make it clear that the matter is concerning recruitment to the State Service and other Service under State Government. Therefore, the issue raised by the petitioner will squarely fall under the provisions of the Administrative Tribunals Act , 1985 and the petitioner has to approach the concerned Tribunal constituted under the , 1985. Since there is an alternate remedy, the writ petition is not maintainable.

The writ petition is accordingly dismissed granting liberty to the petitioner to approach the competent Tribunal.