Bhubaneswar : The Supreme Court of India has quashed the FIR and all ongoing criminal proceedings against ace badminton player Lakshya Sen, his family members, and his coach U Vimal Kumar in a birth certificate forgery case. The case originated from allegations filed by a private complainant, M G Nagaraj, accusing the Séns of falsifying birth records to reduce the ages of Lakshya and his brother Chirag Sen. This was allegedly done to gain advantages in age-restricted tournaments and receive government benefits. These serious accusations led to a 2022 FIR under Indian Penal Code sections related to cheating and forgery. However, after the Karnataka High Court allowed the investigation to continue citing prima facie evidence, the Supreme Court stepped in and ruled that continuing the prosecution would amount to an abuse of the court’s process, thereby ending the legal battle with a complete dismissal of charges.
Lakshya Sen expressed relief and gratitude following the Supreme Court’s decision, reaffirming his commitment to focusing on his badminton career without the overshadowing stress of legal disputes. The case had attracted significant public attention as Sen is one of India’s rising sports stars with numerous international wins. The Supreme Court’s judgment not only provides judicial closure but also clears his name from the allegations of age manipulation. The complainant, who also has connections to a badminton academy, had previously supported his claims with documents obtained under the Right to Information Act, but the Apex Court found no grounds for further criminal proceedings. This verdict underscores the importance of balancing thorough investigation with protection from unfounded prolonged legal harassment.
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