RUTURAJ Vs. STATE OF MAHARASHTRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Rule. By consent, rule made returnable forthwith.

(2.) The issue involved in both these petitions is, whether the students, who appeared for the 10th standard and 12th standard examination i.e. Secondary and Higher Secondary Board Examinations in the State, are entitled to allocation of 25 additional marks for having participated in sports tournaments which are recognized by the authorities at the State, National or International level.

(3.) The policy for allocation of 25 marks additionally to such students, has been stipulated in a letter dated 4.6.2007 from the State to the Secretary, Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, Pune (for short 'the Board'). The policy envisages that students, who participate in sports which are recognized by the associations and federations running the various sports, are entitled to 25 additional marks at the 10th standard and 12th standard Board examinations for having participated in such sports. A circular was issued on 8.6.2008 by the Joint Director of Sports and Youth Services, indicating that such sports activities should be run by an organization which is registered with the Charity Commissioner under the Societies Registration Act 1860 and the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950 and is also recognized by the Maharashtra Olympic Association. The association is expected to organize sports events at the District, State and International levels, besides complying with the other conditions incorporated in the communication dated 8.2.2008.