High Court Directs Meghalaya Boxing Association To Hold Open Trials For All Future State Selections

The Meghalaya High Court recently directed the Meghalaya Boxing Association to hold open trials in any future events where selection trials are held to represent the State.

The Acting Chief Justice H.S. Thanghiew was hearing a writ petition filed by an Army Boxer (petitioner) assailing the action of the Meghalaya Boxing Association (MBA) in not allowing the petitioner, who is a Boxer of some standing, to participate in the selection trials and other boxing events to represent the State.

The Counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner being an Army Boxer and having obtained the requisite NOC and permission, had approached the respondents for consideration and for trial to allow him to be considered for selection to represent the State of Meghalaya which was however denied.

It was further submitted that on the said denial, no reasons were afforded to the writ petitioner. It was prayed that appropriate directions be issued in this regard and for the respondents to clarify as to the manner in which aspiring athletes, in this case boxing, are considered for selections.

The Counsel appearing for the MBA submitted that it is not correct that the writ petitioner had offered himself for selection before the respondents. It was further submitted that the petitioner is a qualified Coach and as such, in any event where he has been engaged as such, he will not be eligible to put himself up for selection.

“………in the interest of justice and the sporting community, this writ petition is disposed of with the direction that the respondents No. 3 & 4, in any future events where selection trials are held to represent the State, shall call for open trials, wherein interested candidates shall fill requisite forms and also indicate whether they are a Coach in that event or not. Needless to add, the candidates or athletes who apply for selection should be eligible in all respects as per the requirement of the discipline. Rejection or acceptance after the trials should be furnished or communicated to the candidates in the form of a written format,” the Court directed.

Case Title: Rfn GD Wanbuddien Syngkli v. State of Meghalaya & Ors.

Case No.: WP(C). No. 267 of 2024

Click Here To Read/Download Order