The Supreme Court of India has issued a stay order on the Karnataka High Court's directive, which had permitted further investigation into an age fraud complaint against Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen and his brother, Chirag Sen. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, February 25, by the Apex Court Bench comprising Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, puts a temporary hold on all further probes in the case. This means that until a final decision is reached, neither Lakshya nor his family and coach will be subjected to further legal scrutiny regarding the allegations.
The controversy stems from accusations that Lakshya and his brother Chirag allegedly misrepresented their ages to gain an unfair advantage in age-category tournaments. The allegations also implicate their parents and their renowned coach, Vimal Kumar. The Karnataka High Court had, on February 19, ruled that investigations into the complaint could continue. However, in response, Lakshya, along with his family and coach, filed a petition before the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s decision. They argued that the ruling was made without giving them an opportunity to present their case, thereby making the probe unjust and one-sided.
Supreme Court Stay Order Brings Temporary Relief to Lakshya Sen
During the hearing, Senior Supreme Court Lawyer Aryama Sunderam strongly contended that the Karnataka High Court passed its ruling without a fair hearing for the accused. Senior lawyers Badri Vishal, Varun Joshi, and Ayush Negi also appeared in court on behalf of Lakshya, his brother, their parents, and coach Vimal Kumar. They presented arguments highlighting that the allegations were based on outdated records and lacked substantial evidence.
Following the Supreme Court’s stay order, Lakshya’s legal team expressed relief, emphasizing that this ruling brings much-needed clarity and respite to the player and his family, allowing them to focus on their careers without undue stress.
"The Hon’ble Supreme Court has granted relief by staying the High Court order and halting further investigations. This decision brings much-needed clarity to the matter, and we remain committed to pursuing our legal remedies," stated Lakshya’s legal counsel in an official statement.
The court’s decision ensures that no further investigation can take place until the matter is conclusively decided, giving Lakshya and his family temporary relief from the legal proceedings that have been looming over them. However, legal experts suggest that the case is far from over, and further hearings and deliberations will be required before a final judgment is issued.
Lakshya Sen’s Focus Now Shifts Back to Badminton
With the legal battle on hold, Lakshya Sen and his brother Chirag can now shift their focus back to their sporting careers. The 22-year-old Commonwealth Games gold medalist has had a challenging start to the 2025 season, suffering early exits in both the Malaysia Open (first round) and India Open (second round). The ongoing legal proceedings had led to concerns about disruptions in his training, performance, and mental focus, but the Supreme Court’s intervention allowed him to put aside off-court distractions and fully concentrate on his game.
Lakshya, ranked among the top badminton players in India, has been considered one of the country’s brightest prospects in the sport. He has already made a mark on the international circuit with several notable victories. However, his recent form has been inconsistent, and he will be looking to regain his rhythm in the upcoming tournaments.
Meanwhile, legal proceedings in the case are expected to resume in the coming months, with both sides preparing to present their arguments before the Supreme Court. Experts believe that the case could set a precedent for age fraud allegations in Indian sports, making it a crucial legal battle not just for Lakshya Sen, but for Indian badminton as a whole.
For now, however, Lakshya and his supporters can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the immediate legal pressure has been lifted. The Supreme Court's decision ensures that the badminton star can fully dedicate himself to his training and upcoming international commitments without being distracted by off-court controversies.
