Telangana High Court Suspends Group-2 Sports Quota

Hyderabad:A division bench of the Telangana High Court on Thursday stayed the single judge orders dated October 14, which set aside the order of the state government and the Telangana Public Service Commission (TGPSC) that had considered submission of ‘Form-1’ as a prerequisite for international athletes to seek reservations under sports quota.

The single judge found faulty in the stance of the TGPSC and the government that international athletes should be preferred for higher posts as opposed to the claims of less meritorious athletes.

The single judge also directed the government that while two per cent reservation was implemented for athletes in Group-1 services and Group-11 services, GO Ms No. 74 and had directed to comply with the procedure prescribed under GO Ms No.107 and the norms contained in Annexures I and II.

The single judge had also directed the TGPSC to disclose the undisclosed results of the writ petitioners who had approached the court for appointment to the four posts specified in the Group-1 Notification of 2024 and to fill the vacant posts accordingly without disrupting the existing appointments.

The division bench on Thursday took up the appeals filed following the single judge orders. The appellants submitted that the approach of the single judge, including submission of Form-1, was based on GO Ms. No. GO Bayan No. 74, which expressly mandates the implementation of the guidelines contained therein. He argued that it was inconsistent with 107. They argued that the Form-1 certificate is not just a verification document but is the primary means of eligibility that enables international participation and grading of successful athletes. TGPSC and the state also support this view, stating that without Form-1, the candidate cannot qualify for Group I or Group II. He stated that he cannot request a reservation within the scope of sports quota in group services.

Finding that the dispute raised important questions requiring detailed decision, the division bench allowed the appeal, permitted applications for leave and directed that the appeal group be listed for admission next on 12 January. Meanwhile, the operation was stopped by the decision of a single judge.