In a significant ruling addressing gender inequality in sports, the Delhi High Court has directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to ensure parity in the participation of male and female athletes in events organized by National Sports Federations (NSFs). The ruling came in response to a petition alleging gender-based discrimination against female para-athletes in the Khelo India Para Games 2025.
CASE BACKGROUND
The petition challenged a notification dated February 13, 2025, issued by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), which outlined the selection criteria for para-badminton events under the 2nd Khelo India Para Games.
The petitioner alleged that the notification restricted female para-athletes to only 8 slots per event, while male para-athletes were allocated 16 slots, violating the principle of gender equality and the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.
COURT’S OBSERVATIONS AND DIRECTIONS
Presiding over the matter, Justice Sachin Datta stated:
“The allocation of the lessor slots to female para-athletes does not commend itself to this Court. The principle of gender parity in sports is mandated under constitutional provisions as also in terms of the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.”
Emphasizing inclusive representation, the Court directed:
“The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports must endeavor to ensure that parity is maintained in the participation of male and female athletes in sporting events organized by the National Sports Federations (NSFs)… the same must also adequately accommodate athletes who have participated in domestic/local / Khelo India Games events.”
Key Arguments by the Petitioner
Represented by Advocate Shlok Chandra, the petitioner submitted:
The criteria arbitrarily favoured international players, allocating 75% of slots based on Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings.
The underrepresentation of female athletes was discriminatory and discouraged domestic talent.
COURT’S REASONING
The Court noted that many female athletes have significantly contributed to India’s sporting glory, and it was unacceptable for any imbalance to exist between male and female participation levels.
“It is a matter of record that the female athletes have brought significant sporting glory to the country and this Court cannot countenance a situation where equilibrium is not maintained between the male and female contingents in sporting events.”
On the suggestion to increase female participation by drawing from national-level participants, the Court said:
“This will also allay the concern that disproportionate weightage has been given to participation in international events.”
Given the proximity of the 2025 games, the Court refrained from issuing binding directions but set expectations for future compliance:
“Khelo India Para Games, 2025 are just around the corner, this Court is refraining from passing any peremptory/binding directions for the said event.”
FINAL OUTCOME
The Court disposed of the petition while making strong observations on the need for genderparity and broader inclusion in sports selection criteria.
CASE INFORMATION
Title: Rahul Kumar Verma v. Badminton Association of India & Ors.
Neutral Citation: 2025:DHC:1668
LEGAL REPRESENTATION
FOR PETITIONER:
Advocates Shlok Chandra, Sankalp Sharma
FOR RESPONDENTS:
Advocates Azim H. Laskar, Udit Dedhiya, Vidur Dwivedi
CONCLUSION
The Delhi High Court’s directive reinforces the importance of equity in sports and sends a strong message to national bodies to include female athletes equitably in both domestic and international events. Though the Court didn’t pass immediate orders for the 2025 games, the judgment sets a precedent for future tournaments under the Khelo India umbrella and beyond.
