Telangana HC Directs State to Clarify Status of Sports Quota Reservation GO 114 in Medical Admissions

A division bench of the Telangana High Court, led by Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin, on Monday sought clarification from the state government regarding the status of Government Order (GO) 114 dated July 5, 2017. This GO provides for a 0.5% reservation in medical admissions under the games and sports quota. The court has asked the government pleader to obtain instructions on whether the order has been withdrawn or has become inoperative over time.

The matter arose from a writ petition filed by student Miryala Arjun, who challenged the state government’s failure to implement the sports quota reservation during his MBBS admission. Despite submitting a representation on July 25, Arjun did not receive the benefit of reservation under the sports quota as mandated by the GO, prompting him to approach the court.

Arjun contended that the inaction of the principal secretary of the Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture department was illegal, arbitrary, and violated the principles of natural justice. He argued that such denial of reservation deprived him of a legitimate entitlement under the government directive.

Responding to the petition, the Telangana High Court directed the state government to clarify the present status of GO 114, emphasizing the need for transparency on whether it remains valid or has lapsed. The bench has scheduled the next hearing of the case for September 4 to review the government’s submissions and further proceedings.

This hearing highlights ongoing issues related to the implementation of reservation policies in education and underscores judicial oversight in ensuring government orders are duly enacted and enforced.