Prince v. Union Of India And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH Date of Decision : 09.06.2026 Prince

...Petitioner

Versus

Union of India and Others ....Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE NEERJA K. KALSON

Present:

Mr. Anil Ghanghas, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Sudhir Nair, Advocate for respondent no.1 (through Video Conferencing).

Ms. Arushi Lamba, Advocate for respondent no.2 (through Video Conferencing).

Ms. Geetika Vyas, Advocate for respondents no.3 to 5 (through Video Conferencing).

NEERJA K. KALSON, J. (ORAL) The present petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a writ in the nature of certiorari for setting aside the impugned decision of respondents no.3 and 4 whereby the right of the petitioner has been infringed as the impugned selection list dated 01.05.2026 (Annexure P-5) has wrongly excluded the petitioner from the list of players selected for National Volleyball Camp.

2.

Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is an accomplished international volleyball player who has represented India at various international events and has consistently performed as a Middle Blocker. It is contended that despite fulfilling the eligibility criteria and participating in the selection trials conducted for the National Volleyball

-2Coaching Camp, the petitioner was excluded from the list of selected players published on 01.05.2026. Learned counsel further submits that the petitioner has already submitted a detailed representation dated 02.06.2026 (Annexure P14) before respondent No.5-Chairperson, Dispute Resolution Committee, Volleyball Federation of India, highlighting, inter alia, that relevant performance parameters pertaining to the position of Middle Blocker were allegedly not duly considered and that certain evaluation materials sought by him have not been supplied.

3.

Notice of motion.

4.

Mr. Sudhir Nair, Advocate for respondent No.1, Ms. Arushi Lamba, Advocate for respondent No.2 and Ms. Geetika Vyas, Advocate for respondents No.3 to 5, accept notice and submit that the grievance of the petitioner shall be examined in accordance with law. 5.

Having heard learned counsel for the parties and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the rival claims, this Court is of the view that the petitioner's representation dated 02.06.2026 is already pending consideration before the competent authority. Since the controversy pertains to the process of evaluation and selection undertaken by an expert body, this Court does not deem it appropriate at this stage to enter into an examination of the comparative merits of the candidates.

6.

However, keeping in view the nature of the grievance raised, particularly regarding the evaluation criteria adopted, the alleged nonconsideration of relevant performance indicators and the petitioner's claim for a fair and transparent assessment of his candidature, respondent No.5Chairperson, Dispute Resolution Committee, Volleyball Federation of India, is

-3directed to objectively examine and re-consider the petitioner's representation dated 02.06.2026 (Annexure P-14). While doing so, the competent authority shall take into consideration all relevant material, including the performance data and evaluation record available with it, and shall pass a reasoned and speaking order in accordance with law.

7.

The aforesaid exercise be completed within a period of one week from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order. 8.

It is clarified that this Court has not expressed any opinion on the entitlement of the petitioner for inclusion in the National Volleyball Coaching Camp and all issues are left open for consideration by the competent authority. 9.

The present petition stands disposed of in the aforesaid terms. (NEERJA K. KALSON) June 09, 2026 JUDGE ps Whether speaking/ reasoned :

Yes/No Whether reportable :

Yes/No