Supreme Court clears Chirag and Lakshya Sen in age-fraud case, calls FIR “vindictive and abusive”.
SUPREME COURT QUASHES FIR AGAINST BADMINTON STARS CHIRAG AND LAKSHYA SEN
In Chirag Sen & Anr vs. State of Karnataka & Anr, the Supreme Court quashed a 2022 FIR accusing badminton players Chirag and Lakshya Sen of age fraud for age-restricted tournaments. The FIR was based on a 1996 GPF form lacking authenticity. The Court noted prior closure of similar allegations by the CVC and Sports Authority of India, deeming the complaint vindictive and a misuse of legal process. The Court emphasized no prima facie offence existed under IPC Sections 420, 468, or 471, and ruled that further proceedings would amount to abuse of the criminal justice system.
| ASPECTS | DETAILS |
| Case Title | Chirag Sen and Another vs. State of Karnataka and Another |
| Introduction | The appeal arises from the High Court of Karnataka’s refusal to quash criminal proceedings related to alleged falsification of birth records. |
| Factual Background | Allegations were made in 2022 that players Chirag and Lakshya Sen misrepresented their birth dates to qualify for age-based badminton tournaments. |
| Legal Issues | Whether the FIR alleging forgery, cheating, and conspiracy against the appellants is tenable despite previous administrative closure. |
| Applicable Law |
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| Analysis | The Court found the complaint based on conjecture and not supported by authenticated documents. It saw the FIR as malicious and an abuse of legal process. |
| Conclusion | The Supreme Court quashed the FIR and criminal proceedings, holding that they were unwarranted and vindictive in nature. |
| Current Scenario | The accused sportspersons are cleared of charges; FIR quashed; they continue to maintain their unblemished national reputation. |
SOURCE – SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
ALSO READ – Sections 420, 468, 471, and 34 IPC
