Meghalaya High Court: In a Civil Writ Petition filed by an Army Boxer seeking clarifications regarding the consideration of athletes for selection in boxing events, a single judge Bench of H. S. Thangkhiew, ACJ*. directed holding of open trials for state-level selection in any boxing events.
The petitioner, an army boxer of substantial standing, after obtaining the requisite No Objection Certificate (NOC) and permission, approached the respondents to be considered for trials and the selection process to represent the State of Meghalaya. However, he was denied the same without affording any reason.
However, the respondents argued that the petitioner never approached them for any selection. Furthermore, being a coach, he was not eligible for participation in the trials. The respondents also submitted that the event referred to by the petitioner i.e., 5th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championship, 2021, was canceled due to Covid.
The Court, in the interest of justice and the sporting community, directed the holding of open trials for any future boxing events where selection trials are to be held to represent the State. Furthermore, interested candidates would indicate whether they have any association with the event as a coach or not, and all acceptances and rejections would be communicated to the candidates in writing.
[GD Wanbuddien Syngkli v. State of Meghalaya, 2025 SCC OnLine Megh 514, decided on 30-05-2025]
*Judgment by Justice H. S. Thangkhiew, Acting Chief Justice, Meghalaya High Court
Advocates who appeared in this case:
For the petitioner: S Thapa and S. Chanda, Advocates
For the respondents: Government Advocate K.P. Bhattacharjee, Government Advocate S. Shyam, and Government Advocate P. Bhattacharjee
