Indian badminton sensation Lakshya Sen, along with his brother Chirag Sen, their parents, and coach U. Vimal Kumar, have been embroiled in a legal controversy over allegations of age fraud. The case, which dates back to 2022, recently gained traction after the Karnataka High Court dismissed a petition from Lakshya and ordered further investigation. However, the Supreme Court of India has now intervened, putting a stay on the High Court’s order and halting any further probes into the matter.
What is the Case About?
The controversy centers around allegations that Lakshya and Chirag Sen’s birth certificates were falsified to reduce their ages by two and a half years, allowing them to compete in junior badminton tournaments. A criminal case was filed against the Sen brothers, their parents, and their coach, accusing them of fabricating documents.
Who Filed the Complaint?
The complaint was initiated by Nagaraja M.G., a private individual, who alleged that the Sen family had manipulated the brothers’ ages. Based on his complaint, an FIR was registered in December 2022 following a directive from a metropolitan magistrate.
What Evidence Was Presented?
Nagaraja submitted documents obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, including an inquiry report from the Ministry of Youth Affairs. The report allegedly indicated that Lakshya’s father, Dhirendra K. Sen, had committed forgery in altering the birth certificates.
Lakshya Sen’s Defense
Lakshya and his family have vehemently denied the allegations, calling them baseless and motivated by personal grievances. They claim that Nagaraja filed the complaint out of frustration after his daughter failed to secure admission to the prestigious Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in 2020. The Sen family argues that the case was fabricated to tarnish Lakshya’s reputation.
Karnataka High Court’s Ruling
After reviewing the petitions, the Karnataka High Court found sufficient preliminary evidence to warrant further investigation into the matter. This ruling, however, was challenged by Lakshya’s legal team, leading to the Supreme Court’s intervention.
Supreme Court’s Intervention
In a significant development, the Supreme Court has stayed the Karnataka High Court’s order, effectively halting any further investigation. Lakshya’s legal counsel has welcomed the decision, stating that it brings clarity to the situation and allows them to pursue further legal remedies.
What’s Next for Lakshya Sen?
With the legal battle temporarily on hold, Lakshya and Chirag Sen are now focusing on their professional commitments. The brothers are preparing for upcoming tournaments, aiming to continue their rise in the world of badminton.
The case has drawn significant attention, given Lakshya’s status as one of India’s top badminton players. While the allegations have cast a shadow over his career, the Supreme Court’s intervention offers a reprieve, allowing him to concentrate on his game and future endeavors.