The court directed the respondents to reconsider a candidate's eligibility for the 'Outstanding Sports Person' category after the issuing authority verified the authenticity of the sports certificate and its affiliation with the recognized Olympic body.

Order

1. The instant writ petition has been filed by the petitioner with following prayers:

"In the facts and circumstances abovementioned, the Petitioner most respectfully prays that this Hon'ble tribunal may be pleased:

1. To quash and set aside the the outcome of the meeting held on 24.04.2024 qua the petitioner, whereby the petitioner candidature has been rejected by the respondent to the post of Assistant Radiographer earmarked for the outstanding sportspersons. (Annexure No. P/1); and

2. To direct the respondents to consider the candidature of the petitioner and accordingly appoint him to the post of Assistant Radiographer earmarked for the outstanding sports person category; and

3. To direct the respondent to grant all consequential and notional benefits to the petitioner; and

4. To issue any other order or direction which may this Hon'ble court deems fit and proper may be passed in favour of the Petitioner."

2. It is stated that the petitioner participated in the recruitment process initiated by the respondent-Department for the post of Assistant Radiographer in 'Outstanding Sports Person' category.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that although the petitioner has secured more marks than the cut-off marks declared for 'Outstanding Sports Person' category, yet the candidature of the petitioner has been rejected in meeting dated 24.04.2024, showing the reasons that the certificate submitted by the petitioner is not a valid certificate, on account of the fact that Archery Association of India was not affiliated to Indian Olympic Association.

4. Learned counsel for the petitioner further submits that the certificate of the petitioner was sent for verification before the Competent Authority and vide letter dated 04.05.2026 issued by the Administrative Officer of Archery Association of India, it was conveyed to the Director, SIHFW, Jaipur that the petitioner has represented Rajasthan State in Indian Round Men Division in 18th Sahara Senior Indian Round (Men & Women) National Archery Championship and the certificate possessed by the petitioner is a genuine certificate and was issued by the Archery Association of India. It has also been certified that Archery Association of India was duly affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association on the date of event in which the petitioner has participated.

5. Learned counsel for the respondents submits that in view of the response dated 04.05.2026 received by the respondents, the respondents are yet to take final decision with regard to candidature of the petitioner and his matter is under active consideration by the Competent Authority.

6. Heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the record.

7. In view of the fact that pursuant to the letter dated 04.05.2026 issued by Archery Association of India, the respondents are required to re-consider the candidature of the petitioner for grant of benefit of reservation in 'Outstanding Sports Person' category, at this stage, this Court deems it just and proper to dispose of the present writ petition with directions to the respondent No.1 to consider the certificate possessed by the petitioner in the light of response dated 04.05.2026 issued by Archery Association of India and to take a final decision within a period of three weeks from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order. In case, petitioner is otherwise found eligible and entitled, the appointment order shall be issued in favour of the petitioner within a period of one month thereafter. However, in case, the respondents decide against the petitioner then, the reasons shall be communicated to the petitioner in detail by way of passing a speaking order within the aforesaid period.