In a significant ruling, the Rajasthan High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the State's decision not to grant bonus marks for Yoga certificates in the recruitment process for Physical Training Instructor (PTI) Grade III. The court upheld that Yoga, despite its recognition as a discipline, does not qualify as a sport due to the absence of competitive tournaments.
Background
The petition was filed by Sita Ram and Govind Ram, who applied for the position of Physical Training Instructor Grade III. They had participated in All India Inter-University Tournaments (A.I.I.U.T.) in Yoga and were initially awarded bonus marks for their certificates. However, their marks were later revised to zero based on a notification issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports on December 21, 2016.
The Ministry had clarified that Yoga cannot be classified as a sport because it lacks standardized competitions. Consequently, the State of Rajasthan refused to recognize Yoga certificates for awarding bonus marks in the recruitment process.
Justice Arun Monga, while hearing the case, emphasized that:
“Even if Yoga is categorized as a sport, no benefit of the same can be given to the petitioners since it is not feasible to hold any competitive sports tournaments of Yoga. Thus, in a strict sense, it cannot be termed as sports for the purpose of according benefit of bonus marks.”
The court examined the notification issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, which was directed to the Indian Olympic Association and National Sports Federations. The notification stated that:
“Yoga has various dimensions in which competitions are not standardized. Hence, it cannot be considered a sport.”
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The petitioners argued that since Yoga had been recognized as a discipline, their participation in A.I.I.U.T. should be acknowledged for bonus marks. They also pointed out that other candidates in previous recruitments were awarded marks for similar Yoga participation.
However, the court dismissed this claim, stating that:
“The petitioner does not have a sports certificate recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports; therefore, he was not awarded any marks for the Yoga certificate.”
Ministry’s Stand on Yoga as a Sport
The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports had initially recognized Yoga as a sports discipline in 2015 but later reversed its stance in 2016. The Ministry’s official communication clarified that holding competitions in Yoga is not feasible, and therefore, it should not be classified as a sport. It was also decided that any matters related to Yoga would henceforth be handled by the Ministry of AYUSH.
This ruling sets a precedent that Yoga, despite its benefits and recognition as a discipline, cannot be equated with conventional sports that involve standardized competitions. Candidates seeking recruitment for sports-related positions will not be eligible for bonus marks based on Yoga participation.
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Furthermore, the court highlighted that rules applicable at the time of recruitment must be considered, and any subsequent changes in classification or recognition cannot be applied retrospectively.
“The petitioner cannot be granted the undue benefit of a subsequent communication, which, in any case, does not apply retrospectively.”
The Rajasthan High Court’s decision reinforces the distinction between Yoga and competitive sports. While Yoga remains a valuable discipline for health and well-being, it does not meet the criteria for a sport that warrants bonus marks in recruitment for Physical Training Instructor positions.
The petition was ultimately dismissed, reaffirming the government’s stand that only recognized sports disciplines with competitive frameworks will be eligible for such benefits