Supreme Court Halts Goa Sports Authority's Selection Of Weightlifting Coach On Woman's Plea Alleging Bias

The Supreme Court today issued notice on the plea of a woman candidate contesting for the post of weightlifting coach with Sports Authority of Goa, who alleged bias in the selection process at the hands of her former coach against whom she once preferred a harassment complaint.

A bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and KV Viswanathan heard the matter. Besides issuing notice, the Court also stayed the operation of the impugned Bombay High Court order, which directed that the selection process proceed as per original schedule, without setting aside Goa government's order for reconducting the tests in which discrimination was alleged.

Advocate Salvador Santosh Rebello appeared for the petitioner and submitted that in one of the selection tests, petitioner's former coach, who harassed her and against whom she made complaints, was an examiner. As such, a representation was made to the Goa government, which found in favor of the petitioner and decided to reconduct the test. The High Court however nullified the government's decision and ordered that the authorities proceed with the written test (the final test).

The subject post was advertised by Sports Authority of Goa in February, 2024. The recruitment process for the same involved 3 stages: (i) physical fitness test, (ii) skill test/practical exam, and (iii) written test.

The petitioner and respondent No.4 both qualified the physical test, however, as per the petitioner, there were irregularities in the conduct of the test, where respondent No.4 was favored. "the tests were recorded and videographed, which would corroborate the Petitioner's allegations of bias and discrimination if examined", the plea states.

Subsequently, in the skill test, the petitioner, who obtained 17.5% marks, was disqualified, while respondent No.4, who obtained 23.5% marks, was declared qualified. On discovering that one of the examiners in the test was not certified in Weightlifting but had experience in Tug of War sports and was a body building coach, the petitioner made a representation to the Government of Goa.

As per claims, the said examiner was not only unqualified, but also the petitioner's ex-coach, who subjected her to mental harassment during training, leading to suspension of her practice for a year.

"Despite performing admirably in the Skill Test, the Petitioner was arbitrarily awarded only 17.5% marks, deliberately below the qualifying threshold, while Respondent No.1 was awarded 23.5% marks, just enough to qualify. This blatant discrimination clearly stemmed from personal bias rather than objective assessment of performance."

Following the petitioner's complaint, the Goa government put the recruitment process on hold and decided to reconduct the physical fitness and skill tests under independent examiners to rule out bias and discrimination. Aggrieved by this decision of the government, respondent No.4 approached the High Court with a writ petition, where the petitioner was not made a party.

On June 23, the High Court, without hearing the petitioner, allowed the writ petition and directed that the written test be conducted on June 26 as per original schedule. "Merely because a complaint has been made by an unsuccessful candidate, it is evidently clear that he (respondent No.4) is being kept out of participation in the written test scheduled on 26.06.2025", the High Court noted.

Apparently, the petitioner sought recall/review of the High Court order, but her application was not listed in appropriate time. Ultimately, she approached the Supreme Court.

Appearance: AoR SS Rebello and Advocates Pradosh Dangui, Kritika (for petitioner)

Case Title: VAISHNAVI S. UGADEKAR Versus THE STATE OF GOA AND ORS., Diary No. 35054-2025