Lakshya Sen's criminal case explained: What is it, who filed it, what did the Karnataka High Court order?

India's star shuttler Lakshya Sen in action at Paris Olympics (Reuters)

Lakshya Sen's criminal case explained: India's star shuttler Lakshya Sen finds himself embroiled in a controversy along with brother Chirag Sen, who also plays badminton. In addition, the shuttler's parents, and coach also find themselves in hot water after the latest orders by Karnataka High Court in the alleged age fraud case against the players. Here's a breakdown of what we know so far...

What is the case about?

A criminal case was registered against Lakshya, his brother Chirag, their father Dhirendra K Sen, mother Nirmala D Sen, and coach Vimal Kumar, which alleged fabrication of the birth certificates. The shuttlers as reported by Sportstar are accused of reducing their age by two years and six months to allow them participate in junior badminton tournaments.

Who filed the case?

A complaint was lodged by Nagaraja M G, which led to an FIR being registered in December 2022.

What are the initial observation by the court?

Justice M G Uma dismissed the petitions pleading to quash the FIR against the shuttlers. The justice in its order observed: "When prima facie materials are placed on record which constitute the offences, I do not find any reason either to stall the investigation or to quash the initiation of criminal proceedings.”

What are the evidence presented?

The complainant submitted documents, which was obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. It included an inquiry report by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, which allegedly proved Dhirendra Sen guilty of fabricating the ages of his wards.

What were the arguments presented by the petitioners?

The petitioners in their argument called the allegations baseless, stating it was aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the player. The petition party claimed that the matter was closed earlier in 2018, stating that the Central Vigilance Commission had accepted the birth certificates submitted by Dhirendra Sen then.

It also mentioned that the complaint was filed due to Nagaraja's frustration after his daughter failed to make the cut for the reputed Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in 2020.

Why did the High Court dismiss the petitions?

The court in its order noted that the petitioner's advocate repeatedly asked for more time to present the arguments since December 2024.

As the police and complainant party pointed that there has been a stay in the case since 2022, the court refused to entertain further delays and allowed the investigation to continue.

Has there been previous instances of age fraud?

Chirag was suspended by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) in 2016 for committing age fraud. A report in Sportstar stated that while one of the document listed his birth year as 1998, he took part in junior tournaments using a birth certificate claiming 2005 as his birth year.

What happens next?

With the stay now lifted, the investigation will now conduct in full swing.