Kerala HC directs State to consider representation to include Rugby as State-level Sports and Games event

The Kerala High Court recently directed the competent authority of the State government to consider a representation to include Rugby as an event in the Sports and Games events for schools. 

Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas was considering a petition by a student from Thiruvananthapuram, who was aggrieved by the refusal of her representation to the Director of General Education to include Rugby as an event. She pointed out that the Kerala State Rugby Association had also filed a representation in the matter. She argued that the sport was not included in the manual governing the Kerala State School Athletic and Games Meet, even though it was included in the National School Games.

The court held on October 5, 2026, that including Rugby in the State-level sports events appeared necessary since it was included in the National School Games. The court opined that the State should decide on the matter at the earliest, with regard to the date of the events and the administrative requirements to be satisfied for hosting them. The authority concerned was directed to pass appropriate orders within four weeks.