The Supreme Court of India has granted significant relief to ace badminton player Lakshya Sen by staying the criminal investigation related to allegations of age fraud. This decision was introduced by the court on February 25, 2025, under the bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and K. Vinod Chandran.
The case revolves around claims made by MG Nagaraj, who alleged the Sen family, including Lakshya, his brother Chirag, their parents Dhirendra and Nirmala Sen, and their coach U Vimal Kumar, falsified their birth certificates to reduce their ages by approximately two and half years. This alleged manipulation was purportedly intended to allow them to compete in junior badminton tournaments and to gain government benefits.
The origins of the case trace back to Nagaraj's private complaint, which led to police registering a First Information Report (FIR) under various sections of the Indian Penal Code: 420 (cheatian), 468 (forgery), and 471 (using forged documents). The FIR was lodged following the judgment of the Karnataka High Court, which ruled on February 19, 2025, stating there was prima facie evidence justifying the investigation.
Justice MG Uma, who presided over the High Court ruling, remarked, "When prima facie materials are placed on record which constitute the offences, I do not find any reason either to stall the investigation or to quash the initiation of criminal proceedings." This was based on documentary evidence presented by Nagaraj, some of which had been obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which included allegations against Lakshya's father Dhirendra Sen, who had faced charges of falsifying records.
Nagaraj's complaint also included claims of personal vendetta against the Sen family, asserting his daughter had previously applied to the renowned Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy but was not selected, claiming the rejection fueled his motive to file the complaint. Lakshya's legal team consistently argued against the legitimacy of the complaint, stating it was baseless and aimed at humiliations.
The Supreme Court's recent ruling halts any coercive steps against the accused until the scheduled hearing on April 16, 2025. This ruling has brought considerable relief to Lakshya and his family, allowing them to turn their focus back to upcoming badminton tournaments without the shadow of criminal proceedings hanging over them. Their legal counsel remarked, "The Hon’ble Supreme Court has granted relief by staying the High Court order and the investigation. This brings much-needed clarity to the matter, and we remain committed to pursuing our legal remedies."
With this decision from the Apex Court, the path forward seems clearer for Lakshya Sen and his brother, who have been making significant waves on the international badminton stage. Lakshya rose to fame quickly, earning recognition as the junior champion at the Asian Championship in 2018, followed by making history at various other championships where he won medals, including at the prestigious BWF World Championship and Commonwealth Games.
While Lakshya's recent performance indicates he must work on his game—having faced early exits at the Malaysia Open and India Open earlier this season—the stay ordered by the Supreme Court provides him with the stability to refocus on his athletic pursuits. Facing the pressures of both legal battles and competition is no small task, yet with the burden of the investigation now alleviated, he can return his focus to the court.
The gravity of the allegations and the subsequent legal wrangling highlight the intense scrutiny faced by athletes today. Despite the challenges, Lakshya Sen remains determined to continue his career, driven by the spirit of competition and the desire to achieve greatness on the badminton court.