Andhra Pradesh High Court - Amravati
P Jayavardhan Chowdary vs The State Of Ap on 30 January, 2026
Author: D Ramesh
Bench: D Ramesh
1
APHC010490292025
IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA
PRADESH
[3208]
AT AMARAVATI
(Special Original Jurisdiction)
FRIDAY,THE THIRTIETH DAY OF JANUARY
TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY SIX
PRESENT
THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE D RAMESH
WRIT PETITION NO: 25040/2025
Between:
1. P JAYAVARDHAN CHOWDARY, S/O P.VENKATESU.
AGE-33 R/O. FLAT NO.301. 3RD FLOOR G.R
APPARTMENTS, HINDUPUR SATHYASAI DISTRICT,A
...PETITIONER
AND
1. THE STATE OF AP, REP BY ITS PRINCIPAL
SECRETARY YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURAL
DEPARTMENT
2. STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, REP BY ITS PRINCIPAL
SECRETARY GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
3. STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, REP BY ITS PRINCIPAL
SECRETARY HOME DEPARTMENT
4. SPORTS AUTHORITY OF ANDHRA PRADESH, REP BY-
VICE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR
5. ANDHRA PRADESH PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION,
REP BY ITS SECRETARY
6. SOFT BALL ASSOCIATION OF INDIA, REP BY ITS
2
DR, J
W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch
SECRETARY
...RESPONDENT(S):
Counsel for the Petitioner:
1. NALABOLU VENKATA PAVANKUMAR
Counsel for the Respondent(S):
1. GP FOR SERVICES I
2. V.VENKATA NAGA RAJU (SC FOR APPSC)
3. G SAI NARAYANA RAO SC For SAAP
WRIT PETITION NO: 106/2026
Between:
1. P JAYAVARDHAN CHOWDARY, S/O P.VENKATESH.
AGE-33 R/O. FLAT NO.301,3RD FLOOR G.R
APPARTMENTS, HINDU PUR SATHYASAI DISTRICT,AP
...PETITIONER
AND
1. STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, REP BY ITS PRINCIPAL
SECRETARY YOUTH, SPORTS AND CULTURAL
DEPARTMENT ECRETARIAT BUILDINGS,
VELAGAPUDI, AMARAVATI-522238
2. STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, REP BY ITS PRINCIPAL
SECRETARY GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
SECRETARIAT BUILDINGS, VELAGAPUDI, AMARAVATI-
522238
3. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, REP. BY ITS PRI.
SECRETARY, HOME DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT
3
DR, J
W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch
BUILDINGS, VELAGAPUDI, AMARAVATI-522238
4. SPORTS AUTHORITY OF ANDHRA PRADESH, REP BY-
VICE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR INDIRA
GANDHI MUNICIPAL CORPORATION STADIUM, MG RD.
LABBIPET, VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH 520010
5. AP PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, REP BY ITS
SECRETARY. NEW GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING,
2ND FLOOR, M.G. ROAD (BANDHAR ROAD), OPPOSITE
INDIRA GANDHI MUNICIPAL COMPLEX, VIJAYAWADA
520 010
6. SOFT BALL ASSOCIATION OF INDIA, REP BY ITS
SECRETARY INDORE, MADHYA PRADESH,
SPECIFICALLY AT 26/1 SIKH MOHALLA, NEAR
DISTRICT COURT, M.G. ROAD, INDORE - 452007
...RESPONDENT(S):
Counsel for the Petitioner:
1. NALABOLU VENKATA PAVANKUMAR
Counsel for the Respondent(S):
1. GP FOR SERVICES I
2. V.VENKATA NAGA RAJU (SC FOR APPSC)
3. G SAI NARAYANA RAO SC For SAAP
WRIT PETITION NO: 32315/2025
Between:
1. CHAPATI VENKATA PRATYUSHA, D/O.
RAMACHANDRA REDDY, AGED 36, W/O. C.
SUDEEP, R/O D.NO. HIG-103, FIRST FLOOR. ROAD
NO. 2B, STM COLONY, SINGAPORE TOWN SHIP,
NEAR RIMS, PUTLAMPALLI, SANKARAPURAM,
4
DR, J
W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch
CUDDAPAH, A.P. 516002
...PETITIONER
AND
1. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, DEPARTMENT
OF YOUTH SERVICES AND SPORTS REP BY ITS
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY, A.P SECRETARIAT
BUILDINGS, VELAGAPUDI, AMARAVATI, GUNTUR.
2. THE ANDHRA PRADESH PUBLIC SERVICE
COMMISSION, REPRESENTED BY ITS
SECRETARY, OFFICE. OPP. INDIRA GANDHI
MUNICIPAL STADIUM, BANDAR ROAD,
VIJAYAWADA - 520010, A.P.
3. THE SPORTS AUTHORITY OF ANDHRA PRADESH,
REP. BY ITS VICE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING
DIRECTOR, INDIRA GANDHI MUNICIPAL
CORPORATION (IGMC) STADIUM, BANDAR ROAD,
LABBIPET, VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH
...RESPONDENT(S):
Counsel for the Petitioner:
1. P SAI SURYA TEJA
Counsel for the Respondent(S):
1. GP FOR SPORTS
2. V.VENKATA NAGA RAJU (SC FOR APPSC)
3. G SAI NARAYANA RAO SC For SAAP
The Court made the following:
5
DR, J
W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch
THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE D.RAMESH
WRIT PETITION Nos.25040 of 2025, 106 of 2026 and
32315 of 2025
COMMON ORDER:
Writ Petition No.25040 of 2025 is filed seeking the following relief:
"....to issue a Writ, order or direction, more particularly, one in nature of Writ of Mandamus declaring the action of respondents acting contrary to G.O.M.s 74 of 09.08.2012 by rejecting the petitioner's application without considering the certificates produced by me at the time of verification. The representation given to the authorities requesting to investigate the other certificates produced by me were kept aside. The certificates which they sought clarification from national body of soft ball unless this Honble Court intervenes and direct the respondent to re-verify the documents/certificates of produced by the petitioner to substantiate his participation in international-national-zonal- district and federation level competitions failing which the petitioner would be put to irreparable loss and hardship...."
2. Heard Sri N.Subba Rao, learned Senior Counsel representing Sri N.Pavan Kumar, learned counsel for the petitioner in W.P.Nos.25040 of 2025 and 106 of 2026 and Sri Posani Venkateswarlu, learned counsel representing Sri P.Sai 6 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch Surya Teja, learned counsel for petitioner in W.P.No.32315 of 2025 and learned Advocate General for APPSC and Sri M.Vijaya Kumar, learned Senior Counsel representing Sri B.Manoj Kumar, learned counsel for impleaded respondent No.5 in W.P.No.32315 of 2025 and impleaded respondent No.8 in W.P.No.106 of 2026 and Sri J.Sudheer, learned counsel for impleaded respondent No.4 in W.P.No.32315 of 2025 and impleaded respondent No.7 in W.P.No.106 of 2026.
3. The petitioner participated pursuant to the notification issued by the APPSC for Group-II examinations. As he qualified in the examinations conducted by the APPSC and as he stood in meritorious candidates in sports quota and at the time of verification of certificates of meritorious candidates, the petitioner was called to submit the certificates for Group-II, tentative list was released on 13.08.2025, wherein the sports authorities of Andhra Pradesh rejected the candidature of the petitioner merely by mentioning that he went to Japan to represent the nation as a manager of the team but not as a player. Questioning the said action, the present writ petition is filed.
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DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch
4. As per the certificates which were issued by the recognized sports associations, the petitioner is meritorious sports person for employment and entitled to consider the case under sports quota in Government institutions. He participated in 45th Senior National Championship held at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar from 04.11.2023 to 08.11.2023. The participation certificate issued to the petitioner was signed by the President of Softball Association of India and Secretary General, Softball Association of India and President of J & K Softball Association. He also relied on the certificates issued by Softball Association of India in respect of All India Inter Zonal National Softball Championship held at Ananthapuram from 11.03.2023 to 13.03.2023, 19th South Zone Senior National Softball Championship, 2023 held from 03.03.2023 to 05.03.2023 and 8th Senior Inter District Softball Championship held from 10.10.2021 to 12.10.2021. But surprisingly, the respondents have not considered any of the above certificates and only considering the certificate issued by Softball Association of India in participation of 11th Men Softball Asia Cup 2022 held from 03.09.2022 to 06.09.2022, Kochi- Shimanto, Japan. In the panel prepared by the respondents, they have noted as against the petitioner stating that there is evidence 8 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch that he was not a player but participated as team manager for sports achievement submitted by the individual. It is not in dispute that participation of the petitioner in the Softball Asia Cup, Kochi-Shimanto, Japan. But, there is certain reference in issuing the certificates to the petitioner mentioning the particulars that does not mean that the petitioner has not participated in the said cup. Apart from that, the petitioner has secured winner place in All India Inter Zonal National Softball Championship 2022-23 held at Anantha Sports Village, Ananthapuram and he also participated in 45th Senior National Softball Championship 2023- 24 for men and women held at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar from 04.11.2023 to 08.11.2023. Surprisingly, the said certificates were not considered while preparing the panel. As the petitioner has relied on the communication made by the Secretary General, Softball Association of India to President, Softball Association of Andhra Pradesh, Anantapur. According to the said communication, the petitioner is selected for Indian Men team from Andhra Pradesh and he has to attend special coaching camp of Indian team at Delhi from 22.08.2022 and the team will depart to Japan from Delhi. He also placed reliance on the other certificates issued by the Softball Association of India. In fact, in 9 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch the preliminary list prepared by the 4th respondent - Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh, there is a reference with regard to participation for Indian Soft Ball Men Team in 11th Men Softball Asia Cup, 2022 held at Kochi-Shimanto, Japan from 03.09.2022 to 06.09.2022 (2) secured runners place in 43rd Senior National Softball Championship Men & Women 2021-2022 held at Anantha Sports Village, Ananthapuram, Andhra Pradesh from 24.12.2021 to 28.12.2021 (3) participated in 8th Senior Inter- District Soft Ball Championship for Men & Women 2021-2022 hed at St. Ann‟s E.M.Scholl, Macherla, Guntur District from 10.10.2021 to 12.10.2021 (4) participated in 45th Edition of Senior National Softball Championship 2023-24 for Men & women held at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar from 04.11.2023 to 08.11.2023 (5) participated in 10th Senior Inter District Softball Championship for Men & Women 2023 held at Y.P.P.M. Government High School, Allagadda, Nandyal District from 16.10.2023 to 18.10.2023. But, on perusal of the remarks column, it only indicated reference about the 11th Men Softball Asia Cup 2022 and stated that he has not participated as a player, but he has participated as manager and accordingly, his name has been rejected, which is contrary to the records more specifically to G.O.Ms.No.74, dated 09.08.2012. 10
DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch Hence, the petitioner is entitled to consider his case based on the merit of other certificates issued by the Softball Association of India and others.
5. Considering the submissions, this Court has passed the following interim orders on 08.01.2026:
"In a batch of cases with regard to appointment in Mega DSC-2025 notification, this Court passed a detailed interim order on 24.09.2025 directing the Grievance Committee which was constituted vide Memo No.2984388/Services.I/A1/2025-1, dated 24.09.2025, exclusively to consider the grievances of individuals with reference to appointments under Mega-DSC notification.
By oversight, this writ petition i.e. W.P.No.25040 of 2025 was included in the said batch of writ petitions.
As the interim order dated 24.09.2025 is only with regard to grievances under Mega- DSC-2025 notification only and not with reference to recruitment notifications issued by APPSC, this writ petition was de-tagged from the batch order dated 24.09.2025.
In the present writ petition, the rejection of the Sports certificate of the Petitioner by Respondent No.4 is questioned as illegal and arbitrary.
On verification of the sports certificates, Respondent No.4 had rejected the claim of the Petitioner 11 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch vis-a-vis his participation in international competition held at Kochi- Shimanto, Japan between 03-06 September, 2022.
Sri N.Subba Rao, learned senior counsel appearing for the Petitioner submits that the Petitioner had participated in the said tournament and the same is supported by letter of Soft Ball Association of India dated 14.08.2025. Notwithstanding the same, learned senior counsel would submit that the other sports certificates of the Petitioner vis-a-vis his participation in National and State tournaments were not considered and rejecting the certificates in totality cannot be sustained.
Learned standing counsel for APPSC would contend that the Petitioner had participated as Manager and not as a member of the team and the other certificates were not considered by Respondent No.4 as Petitioner sought to mislead and therefore, the rejection of the candidature of the Petitioner cannot be found fault with.
Learned standing counsel for SAAP seeks time to get written instructions as regards the submission of learned counsel for the Petitioner.
As the interviews are scheduled from 07.01.2026 and considering the urgency expressed, there shall be an interim direction to the Respondents to defer issuance of appointment orders to the extent of the post of Sub- Inspector, Excise Department aspired by the Petitioner for a period of six (6) weeks. The Petitioner shall also file passport in proof of travel to Japan in 2022 by the next date.12
DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch Post on 22.01.2026."
6. Learned Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh has made his submissions that on perusal of the certificate filed by the petitioner with regard to 11th Men Softball Asia Cup 2022 the certificate of participation as athlete is uncommon. Hence, they sought clarification from the Secretary General, Softball Association of India vide letter dated 13.08.2025 stating that whether the petitioner has participated in 11th Men Softball Asia Cup 2022 held at Kochi- Shimanto, Japan as player or manager, but the same Secretary General has issued reply on 14.08.2025 which reads as below:
"I have received your letter dated 13.08.2025 regarding above cited reference and subject, in this connection we want to clarify that Mr. P.Jayavardhan Chowdhary was selected as player for Indian Soft Ball Men Team to take part in 11th Men Softball Asia Cup 2022 held at Kochi Shimanto Japan. He attended coaching camp as well and went with the team for the championship.
The W.B.S.C. opened online registration from that event only before that it was not needed and they had registration form of 17 players only, the team leader registered team players name there itself at Japan and filled up his name as Manager, please make it clear that he went with the team as player not as manager."13
DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch
7. He has further made his submissions that the petitioner has uploaded his highest achievement certificate i.e., participation of 11th Men Softball Asia Cup 2022 held in Japan and upon examination of the said certificate submitted by the petitioner, there were clear signs of tampering. On the complaints submitted by the co-applicants stating that the petitioner has not participated as a player, but as a manager, the same was also confirmed as per the W.B.S.C. (World Baseball Softball Confederation) online registration records. According to the same, only 17 persons were registered in the event comprising of 16 players and one manager and accordingly, the petitioner was registered as a manager. In view of the documentary evidence and complaints received, no priority was assigned to the petitioner and the same was indicated in the final priority list forwarded to APPSC. As the petitioner has intentionally submitted a false international sports certificate while concealing the fact that he has not participated as a player, further averments were made stating that the other certificates were not considered in the final list submitted to APPSC.
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DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch
8. Reply to the said contentions, learned Senior Counsel has submitted his arguments that even according to the letter submitted by Secretary General, Softball Association of India to President, Softball Association of Andhra Pradesh, it is not in dispute about the participation of the petitioner at the time of coaching camp as well as at the championship cup. Though the petitioner was participated as a player, it was mentioned as a manager. Hence, it cannot be construed as a fake or misleading certificate. The participation is not in dispute. Only based on the registration made by the team leader, the certificate which was granted to the petitioner cannot be treated as invalid one.
9. Apart from that, if the 4th respondent has not considered the other certificates furnished by the petitioner except for 11th Men Softball Asia Cup 2022 and his case can be considered under the sports quota based on the other certificates instead of rejecting in toto is bad. Accordingly, requested to refer the matter to Grievance Committee of the 4th respondent. Accordingly, learned Senior Counsel has pointed out that the 4th respondent has a Grievance Committee to look into the grievances of all sports persons and based on the record, the Grievance 15 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch Committee would decide the priority among the participants based on their certificates. But, in the instant case, the grievances of the petitioner as well as the impleaded respondents were never forwarded to the Grievance Committee. Accordingly, as the petitioner has other certificates which were also granted by the recognized sports associations may be referred to Grievance Committee along with others and the committee may be permitted to scrutinize the certificates of all participants and send a report/panel to the APPSC.
10. Writ Petition No.106 of 2026 is filed seeking the following relief:
"....to Issue a Writ, Order or Direction, more particularly one in the nature of Writ of Mandamus, declaring the action of the respondent authorities in rejecting the petitioner‟s candidature in the final priority list for recruitment under the Sports Quota in Notification No.12/2023 as illegal, arbitrary, discriminatory and contrary to the provisions of G.O.Ms. No.74 dated 09.08.2012, G.O.Ms.No272 dated 19.09.2019, and G.O.Ms.No.8 dated 23.11.2020; consequently, direct the respondents to re-verify and reconsider all the certificates and documents produced by the petitioner, including those issued by the Softball Association of India and the State Softball Association of 16 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch Andhra Pradesh, and to assign the petitioner appropriate priority under the Sports Quota as per the aforesaid G.O.s. failing which the petitioner would be put to irreparable loss and hardship...."
11. Identically, W.P.No.106 of 2026 is also filed by the very same petitioner wherein the petitioner‟s case was considered by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh and rejected with the following remarks:
"Individual has not submitted Asia Cup 2022 backup certificate and individual has submitted only 9 th Senior Inter District Softball Championship July 2022 at Srikakulam Dist. Instead of Sr. National Participation in Academic year, but this certificate not valid as per G.O. Accordingly, priority has issued All India Inter Zonal National Softball Championship held at 2022-23 in March-2023 Position- Gold (Winner)."
12. Even in the said case, though the respondents have not considered the certificate of participation filed by the petitioner in 11th Men Softball Asia Cup 2022 on the ground that he has not participated as a player, they have to consider the rest of the certificates which are relying for consideration under sports category and the same were not considered. Hence, requested 17 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch to refer the matter to the Grievance Committee of the 4th respondent for reconsideration.
13. Considering the submissions, this Court has passed the following interim orders on 06.01.2026:
"Notice before admission, returnable in four weeks.
In the present writ petition, the rejection of the Sports certificate of the Petitioner by Respondent No.4 is questioned as illegal and arbitrary.
On verification of the sports certificates, Respondent No.4 had rejected the claim of the Petitioner vis-a-vis his participation in international competition held at Kochi- Shimanto, Japan between 03-06 September, 2022.
Sri N.Subba Rao, learned senior counsel appearing for the Petitioner submits that the Petitioner had participated in the said tournament and the same is supported by letter of Soft Ball Association of India dated
14.08.2025. Notwithstanding the same, learned senior counsel would submit that the other sports certificates of the Petitioner vis-a-vis his participation in National and State tournaments were not considered and rejecting the certificates in totality cannot be sustained.
Learned standing counsel for APPSC would contend that the Petitioner had participated as Manager and not as a member of the team and the other certificates were not considered by Respondent No.4 as Petitioner 18 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch sought to mislead and therefore, the rejection of the candidature of the Petitioner cannot be found fault with.
As the interviews are scheduled from 07.01.2026 and considering the urgency expressed, there shall be an interim direction to the Respondents to defer issuance of appointment orders to the extent of the post of Deputy Superintendent of Police aspired by the Petitioner for a period of six (6) weeks. The Petitioner shall also file passport in proof of travel to Japan in 2022 by the next date.
Post on 22.01.2026."
14. Reply to the said contentions, learned counsel appearing on behalf of the impleaded respondents has submitted that as per the final priority list sent by the 4th respondent to APPSC on 18.06.2025, the final remarks column clearly shows that verified the documents provided by the officials of the SAAP, agreed with the remarks of the screening committee. According to G.O.Ms.No.74, dated 09.08.2012, clause (xii) deals with once after scrutiny by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh with regard to genuineness of the certificates, verifying medals/ranks etc., the applications will be forwarded to a Committee at Government level in Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture (Sports) Department and the said committee shall finalise the 19 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch proposals. As per the clause (xii), in the instant case, the matter has been placed before the screening committee and the committee has approved the remarks submitted by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh. Hence, once they rejected the case of the petitioner by finalizing the priority list, the respondents have no authority to reconsider the issue. In fact, the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh has rightly considered the certificate filed by the petitioner as the same is misleading though he has participated as a manager, he has filed the said certificate showing that as if he has participated as a player and accordingly, rightly rejected the case of the petitioner for consideration of the said certificate and declared that it is not in accordance with the norms. Once they rejected, the authorities have no right for reconsideration of the other certificates. He further placed reliance that in fact an identical situation has arisen pertaining to the recruitment made by the Hon‟ble High Court wherein certain people have filed the fake certificates issued by the Softball Association of Andhra Pradesh and it was observed that the District and State associations are involved in issuance of fake certificates and Soft Boll Federation of India has overlooked these elicited activities. He further relied on the counter filed by 20 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh and submitted that as already the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh has considered the certificate filed by the petitioner and after verification from the concerned associations, the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh has clearly observed that the petitioner had attempted to mislead the authorities by filing a manipulated certificate. Hence, the conduct of the petitioner amounts to deliberate misrepresentation and accordingly, they have rejected. Hence, in such circumstances, the question of reconsideration of the other certificates would not arise at this stage. Once the final list is prepared based on the certificates as the impleaded respondent Nos.7 and 8 stood at Sl.Nos.3 and 2 respectively, she is eligible and qualified for the post of Group-I. Hence, he requested to dismiss the writ petition.
15. Writ Petition No.32315 of 2025 is filed seeking the following relief:
"....to issue an appropriate writ, order or direction more particularly one in the nature of writ of Mandamus declaring the Speaking Order dated 24-10-2025 vide Lr.No.SAAP/SR/APPSC group-1/2958623/2025 issued by the 3rd respondent, SAAP, in not considering the Bronze 21 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch Medal secured by the petitioner in the 4th National Open Junior and Senior Taekwondo Championship in Senior Category held at Swarna Bharathi Indoor Stadium, Visakhapatnam from 18-01-2007 to 20-01-2007 for assigning priority No. 25 under the Meritorious Sports Person quota for the purposes of Notification No. 12/2023 dated 08-12-2023 as the same is contrary to law, illegal, arbitrary, unjust, contrary to G.O.Ms.No.74 dated 09.08.2012, violative of Rule 22(d) of the A.P. State and Subordinate Service Rules, 1996 and Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India, and to set-aside/quash the same and consequently to direct the respondents to consider the Bronze Medal Certificate secured by the petitioner in the 4 th National Open Junior and Senior Taekwondo Championship, 2007 in Senior Category held at Swarna Bharathi Indoor Stadium, Visakhapatnam for assigning the priority No. 25 under the Meritorious Sports Person quota for the purposes of Notification No. 12/2023 dated 08-12- 2023..."
16. Considering the submissions, this Court has passed the following interim orders on 07.01.2026:
"Notice before admission, returnable in four (04) weeks.
The present writ petition is filed questioning the order dated 24.10.2025 issued by Respondent No.3 vide Lr.No.SAAP/SR/APPSC Group I/2958623/2025, in not considering the Bronze Medal secured by the Petitioner in the 4th National Open Junior and Senior Taekwondo 22 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch Championship in senior category held at Swarna Bharathi Indoor Stadium, Visakhapatnam from 18.01.2007 to 20.01.2007 for assigning priority No.25 under the Meritorious Sports Person Quota for the purposes of Notification No.12/2023 dated 08.12.2023, as illegal and arbitrary.
The Respondent No.2/APPSC had issued Notification No.12/2023 dated 08.12.2023 for Group-I Services. The Petitioner had applied for aforesaid notification under sports quota, as she had participated in the 4th National Open Junior and Senior Taekwondo Championship in senior category held at Swarna Bharathi Indoor Stadium, Visakhapatnam from 18.01.2007 to 20.01.2007.
The counsel for the Petitioner submits that the Petitioner had participated in 4th National Open Junior and Senior Taekwondo Championship and that the certificate was issued by the then President and Secretary General, Taekwondo Federation of India. It was also submitted that the Chairperson of the aforesaid Championship Sports event was then Commissioner of Police and was attended by well known persons.
It is also stated that the Andhra Pradesh Taekwondo Association addressed a letter on 03.11.2025 to Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh confirming the genuineness of the event and the sporting achievement of Petitioner.23
DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch The Respondent No.3 is the designated authority to validate the sports certificate submitted by the aspirants and Respondent No.3 vide Lr.No.SAAP/SR/APPSC Group-I/2958623/ 2025 had rejected the candidature of the Petitioner on various grounds.
In the light of the letter issued by the Andhra Pradesh Taekwondo Association, the rejection of the certificate of the Petitioner does not appear to be a fair consideration. However, as a sweeping interim order would stall the recruitment process in entirety and affects the aspirations of undisputed Meritorious Sportsmen, therefore, there shall be an interim direction as under:-
(i) The Petitioner shall specify the post she is aspiring for in the Notification No.12 of 2023 dated 08.12.2023 forthwith.
(ii) Thereupon, the Respondents shall reserve the said post, pending disposal of this writ petition.
Post on 22.01.2026."
17. Sri Posani Venkateswarlu, learned Senior Counsel representing Sri P.Sai Surya Teja, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner has submitted that the impugned rejection order dated 24.10.2025 is totally non-application of mind and contrary to records. The impugned orders are passed on the following lapses:
24
DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch
a) As per G.O.Ms.No.74, Dt.09.08.2012, to allot priority - 27
- participation in National Championship, National Games - Inter State - Inter Zonal - Open Nationals for Senior - Federation Cup.
But it is mentioned in the above certificate National Open Junior and Senior, "National Open Junior and Senior"
was not mentioned in the G.O.,
b) As per the rules of Taekwondo Federation, the event such as Kyorugi or poomsae has to be mentioned in the certificate with weight category.
But there is no event and specific weight category in the National Open Junior and Senior certificate submitted by the candidate and also not mentioned the certificate number, which is not considerable.
c) As per the rules of Taekwondo Federation, eligible age for an athlete to participate in the Kyorugi in senior category is 17 years and above, and in poomsae event, 18 years and above.
But, as per records (SSC certificate) DOB: 5.7.1989 provided by Smt. C.V.Pratyusha, she is having 17 years 5 months at the time of participation in the National Open Junior and Senior Championship held at Visakhapatnam also the date of birth is not mentioned in the said certificate.
18. With regard to the objection raised at (a) is concerned, as the respondents have rejected the certificate of the petitioner on the ground that the petitioner has participated in National Open Junior and Senior, which was not mentioned in G.O.Ms.No.74, 25 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch dated 09.08.2012. The said observations are totally irrelevant and contrary to record. In fact, only based on the nomenclature of the certificate, the respondents ought not to have rejected the case of the petitioner. To support his contention, he has relied on the Annexure-II to G.O.Ms.No.74, dated 09.08.2012. Sl.No.25 of the Annexure-II reads as follows:
"25. Bronze Medal in National Championship - National Games - Inter State - Inter Zonal - Open Nationals for Seniors - Federation Cup."
19. Here, the petitioner has relied on the participation certificate in 4th National Open Junior & Senior Taekwondo Championship-2007. The said certificate was negated by the respondents only on the ground that it should be Open Nationals for Senior - Federation Cup instead of "National Open Junior and Senior." The said rejection is too technical and only based on the nomenclature of the cup, the respondents ought not to have rejected the certificate relied on by the petitioner. Further, as far as the objection raised at (b) is concerned, as per the rules of Taekwondo Federation, the event should be as kyorugi or poomsae has to be mentioned in the certificate, but in the certificate submitted by the petitioner, no event and specific 26 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch weight was mentioned. To support his contention, clarification/ letter addressed by the Andhra Pradesh Taekwondo Association dated 03.11.2025 that poomsae and kyorugi events have not yet been introduced during the year 2007. The introduction of poomsae as a combined event started much later than 2007 before that the Taekwondo Championships would only mean to kyorugi, which is the actual body contact sport. Accordingly, as the petitioner has participated in 2007, there was no such introduction of the event. Hence, the same is not mentioned. With regard to the objection raised at (c) is concerned, according to rules of Taekwondo Federation, eligible age for an athlete to participate in the kyorugi in senior category is 17 years and above. But, surprisingly, they themselves have stated that as per the records i.e., SSC of the petitioner, the date of birth of the petitioner is 05.07.1989 and she is having 17 years 5 months as on the date of event. So even according to the rules, the petitioner is eligible to participate in the senior level. Hence, the respondents ought not to have taken such an objection with regard to the certificate produced by the petitioner. 27
DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch
20. Learned Senior Counsel further submitted that in fact, initially the respondents have not considered the certificate of the petitioner on the ground that the certificate is of 2007 which is beyond 10 years. Hence, they have rejected the same. Questioning the said action, the petitioner has approached this Court by filing W.P.No.19858 of 2025 and this Court has considered and passed the interim orders on 01.08.2025 directing the respondents to consider the case of the petitioner under „sports quota‟ subject to verification of the certificates and other credentials. When there was a direction by this Court in favour of the petitioner, the respondents have considered and rejected on technical grounds, which is impermissible as per law. Learned Senior Counsel further submitted that participation of the petitioner is not in dispute, in fact, he has also relied on the paper publication made on copy of the paper article which was published on 20.01.2007 wherein it clearly stated name of the petitioner as she has got Bronze Medal in light weight category. He has placed reliance on the brochure with regard to 4th National Open Junior & Senior Taekwondo Championship-2007 and welcome note and message of so many dignitaries including the then Chief Minister discloses that the event of 4th National Open 28 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch Junior & Senior Taekwondo Championship happened in 2007. Once the event has taken place in 2007 and there is no dispute with regard to participation of the petitioner in that and as she has also got a Bronze Medal, the respondents ought not to have rejected the claim of the petitioner.
21. The 3rd respondent has filed his counter. According to the averments made in the counter, though the petitioner has participated and got Bronze Medal in 4th National Open Junior & Senior Taekwondo Championship-2007, the same was not considered for several reasons as the National Open Junior & Senior was not matching the remarks as stated in G.O.Ms.74, dated 09.08.2012 and in fact, the Secretary General, Taekwondo Federation of India vide its letter dated 11.09.2025 informing that the documents pertaining to the 4th National Open Junior & Senior Taekwondo Championship, 2007 are not available in their office. But, later, the petitioner has obtained a genuine certificate from the Federation stating that, based on the recommendation/genuineness received from Mr. Ch.Venugopal Rao, General Secretary, New Andhra Pradesh Taekwondo Association, through email, the enclosed achievement certificate 29 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch of Ms. Chapathi Venkata Prathyusha is verified as correct and genuine and the back-up certificate of the petitioner was 24th Senior A.P.State Taekwondo Championship-2006, wherein she secured a Silver Medal in the light weight category and the said back-up certificate would be suitable for the 25th Senior National Taekwondo Championship which took place in Chennai from September 15-17, 2006, in the same year. But, to participate in the National event she ought to have secured a Gold Medal in the State Event herein. In fact, they have also distinguished the National Championship, an Open National Sports event and National Open Sports Event. In a "National Championship" there is a strict control on the participation and there is a strict pain to reach and participate in the National Championship. Whereas in a "National Open" event the entry into the events is more liberal and there is no set path which a participant has to take in order to participate in the National level. But, in the instant case, the petitioner‟s case is that she participated in 24th Senior A.P.State Taekwondo Championship-2006, wherein she secured a Silver Medal in the light weight category, the next logical National level event was the 25th Senior National Taekwondo Championship which took place in Chennai. As far as the priority given at 30 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch Sl.No.25 in G.O.Ms.No.74, dated 09.08.2012, the petitioner‟s certificate would indicate the event was for both juniors and seniors and in that with regard to the date of birth shall be tallied proportionately to the category of age group vis-à-vis the concerned sport. But, in the instant case, the certificate does not have the age of the petitioner. Accordingly, the respondents have considered and held that it is not in conformity with G.O.Ms.No.74. Hence, the respondents have rightly considered the certificate of the petitioner and rejected as the same is not in conformity with G.O.Ms.No.74.
22. Learned Advocate General appearing on behalf of the APPSC has pressed the urgency and in view of the interim orders granted by this Court in these writ petitions, the selections have been stalled. Hence, requested for early disposal. If at all if the matter is remanded to the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh for re-verification, he requested to fix some reasonable time to complete the entire process to enable the selection committee to final the selections as early as possible.
23. Considering the entire issue in hand in all the writ petitions, the grievances of the petitioners as well as the impleaded 31 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch respondents are with regard to the consideration of the certificates/sports certificates issued by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh for consideration of their appointment of Group-II and Group-I posts under sports category. In fact, in W.P.Nos.25040 of 2025 and 106 of 2026 filed by the petitioner his case is that though he has participated in 11th Men Softball Asia Cup 2022, his case was not considered by the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh only on the ground that he has not participated as a player and as per the record he has participated as a manager. As per the clarification given by the W.B.S.C. (World Baseball Softball Confederation), it clearly discloses that the petitioner has participated in 11th Men Softball Asia Cup 2022 held at Kochi-Shimanto, Japan. But, only the clarification given is that the team leader has registered first 16 names as players and 17th name of the petitioner as manager. However, there is no dispute with regard to participation, but for the reason that his name is registered as a manager. If the 4th respondent disagrees with the certificate produced by the petitioner with regard to participation of 11th Men Softball Asia Cup 2022, the respondents ought to have considered the other certificates and as to give their findings based on the other certificates, the respondents 32 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch have to give their priority in the eligible list. But, in the instant case, on perusal of the final priority list furnished on 18.06.2025 by the 4th respondent, there is no finding or remarks with regard to other certificates and there are certain allegations against the proposed certificates of the impleaded respondents also. But, the fact remains that those objections were considered and declined by the Sports Authority of India and also on verifying the observations made while rejecting the case of the petitioner in W.P.No.32315 of 2025 it seems to be an extraneous consideration and too technical. When the participation of the petitioner is not in dispute, the same was supported by various other documents, the respondents ought not to have rejected only on the ground that the petitioner has participated in 4th National Open Junior & Senior Taekwondo Championship-2007. Though the nomenclature may be changed, the fact remains that the petitioner has participated and got Bronze Medal which supports the record is not available with the association. On that ground, the respondents ought not to have rejected the case of the petitioner.
24. Considering the submissions and on perusal of the record there is some force in the arguments advanced by the learned 33 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch counsel for impleaded respondents with regard to placing the entire issue before the selection committee as per clause (xii) of G.O.Ms.No.74, dated 09.08.2012. But, the fact remains that on perusal of the findings of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh while finalizing the priority list, no doubt, it seems that it has not considered all the certificates furnished by the petitioner in W.P.Nos.25040 of 2025 and 106 of 2026. The authority having not convinced with one certificate furnished by the petitioner that does not mean the other certificates have also to be rejected and the authority has to find out the genuinity of all certificates and give their findings with regard to the same. Such findings are lacking in this final priority list. As far as the observations made in rejection orders with regard to the petitioner in W.P.No.32315 of 2025 are also not convinced.
25. Accordingly, all the Writ Petitions are disposed of remanding the matter to the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh to place the entire issue before the Grievance Committee and the Committee may issue notice to the petitioners as well as objectors and after thorough enquiry and by providing an opportunity, the same may be considered and prepared the final priority list with their specific findings and the same may be sent 34 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch to the APPSC for finalization of the selections of Group-I and Group-II. The said exercise should be completed within a period of one (1) month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. There shall be no order as to costs.
As a sequel, miscellaneous petitions pending, if any, shall stand closed.
_______________________ JUSTICE D.RAMESH Date: 30.01.2026 Ivd 35 DR, J W.P.No.25040 of 2025 & batch THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE D.RAMESH WRIT PETITION Nos.25040 of 2025, 106 of 2026 and 32315 of 2025 Dated: 30.01.2026 Ivd