BALBIR SINGH Vs. STATE OF HARYANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) For anyone curious to know why India does not excel in sports at the international level, an answer of sorts can be found in this case.

(2.) Balbir Singh and Girish Chander, Petitioners 1 and 4, are gymnasts. Kesho Dutt, petitioner 2, is a wrestler. Anil Kumar and Jamander Singh Dhaiya petitioners 3 and 5 are boxers. Each of them claimed that they were trained as coaches at different levels and had also participated in their respective events at different levels. The grievance of the petitioners was that they failed to get appointment as coaches in their disciplines.

(3.) The Sports Department advertised posts of category I and II in various disciplines including gymnastics and wrestling (Category I) and Boxing (Category II). The qualifications for two categories were also prescribed. There were 20 posts in category I and all of them were reserved. 15 for candidates of Scheduled Castes. 3 for candidates of Backward Class and 2 for Ex. Servicemen. It was stipulated that upto 5 posts out of 15 reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates could be filled from general category if these remained unfilled.