Chirag Sen and Another etc. v. State of Karnataka and Another, 2025
The Court allowed the appeal, quashing the criminal proceedings against Lakshya Sen, Chirag Sen, their parents, and coach U. Vimal Kumar.
Judgement Details
Court
Supreme Court of India
Date of Decision
28 July 2025
Judges
Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia ⦁ Justice Aravind Kumar
Citation
Acts / Provisions
Facts of the Case
- Olympian badminton players Lakshya Sen and Chirag Sen were accused of fabricating age records to gain an unfair advantage in junior-level tournaments.
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An FIR was filed alleging falsification of birth records to secure benefits in U-13 and U-15 categories, implicating the players, their parents, and their coach U. Vimal Kumar of the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy.
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The complaint was lodged by Nagaraja M.G, whose daughter was denied admission in the same academy, indicating possible vindictiveness behind the allegations.
Issues
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Whether there was prima facie evidence to support allegations of criminal fraud and forgery against the appellants?
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Whether the FIR and complaint met the basic legal ingredients required to prosecute under Sections 420, 468, and 471 IPC?
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Whether the allegations were motivated by personal vendetta rather than factual evidence?
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Whether criminal proceedings should continue against nationally recognized sportspersons without sufficient proof?
Judgement
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The bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Aravind Kumar held that the allegations were false, baseless, and an abuse of the criminal process.
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The Court found that the complaint relied solely on an unauthenticated document (1996 GPF nomination form), lacking any proof of fraudulent intent or act by the appellants.
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The Sports Authority of India had previously closed the investigation after medical tests (bone ossification and dental tests at AIIMS Delhi) confirmed the ages of Lakshya and Chirag.
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There was no evidence that the appellants knowingly used forged documents or induced any authority to confer benefits dishonestly.
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The Court emphasized that criminal proceedings are serious and should not be initiated lightly, referencing the precedent Pepsi Foods Ltd. v. Special Judicial Magistrate (1998) 5 SCC 749.
Held
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The Court allowed the appeal, quashing the criminal proceedings against Lakshya Sen, Chirag Sen, their parents, and coach U. Vimal Kumar.
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It was recognized that the accusations were motivated by personal vendetta and lacked evidentiary support.
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The Court condemned the misuse of the criminal justice system to harass high-profile sportspersons without a valid basis.
Analysis
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This judgment protects national athletes from unfounded criminal harassment.
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It reinforces the principle that criminal law must be applied carefully, ensuring that allegations are supported by prima facie evidence before proceeding.
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The case highlights the importance of authentic and reliable evidence in allegations of fraud and forgery.
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It cautions against the vindictive use of complaints to target individuals, emphasizing fair trial rights and protection against abuse of legal processes.