Supreme Court Judges Face Off Against Ministers in Historic Badminton Tournament

Justice Vikram Nath (in white) practises for the badminton outing

The judiciary and the executive branches are set to compete today, not in the Supreme Court chambers, but on a badminton court. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and fellow judge Justice Vikram Nath will face Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal in an exhibition match at Delhi's Thyagraj Stadium. A second exhibition match will feature Justice Nath and Justice Dipankar Datta competing against the two ministers.

As the judges and ministers exchange shuttlecock volleys across the court, the net dividing them serves as a symbolic reminder of their constitutional boundaries, reminiscent of the separation of powers doctrine.

These exhibition matches highlight a two-day tournament expected to include 84 judges from the Supreme Court and high courts, including five women judges. The event will feature singles and doubles competitions in both men's and women's categories. Former Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice Vikram Nath, who is the most senior judge after the Chief Justice and next in line for the top judicial position, will present awards to the winners.

Sources indicate that Justice Nath and Justice Datta have been diligently practicing with their badminton racquets for over a week, finding time despite their demanding judicial schedules.

This unprecedented sporting event has been organized by former international badminton player Abantika Deka, with backing from the Ministry of Law and Justice and approval from the Supreme Court of India.