Ponni Dhanapal v. The President

ORDER The writ petition has been filed seeking a mandamus to the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 02.02.2026 and to allot a hospital of the petitioner's choice during the District Residency Programme (DRP) to be undergone by her in the Post Graduate Course curriculum.

2.The petitioner is a M.B.B.S., doctor who is pursuing her II year Post Graduate in M.S.Obsterics and Gynaecology in ESI Medical College, K.K.Nagar, Chennai. She is undergoing her three months District Residency Programme (DRP) in a Government Hospital at Ponneri, which is a mandatory component of M.S., / M.D., curriculum. The petitioner would submit that during previous years, the Post Graduate Trainees who had undergone DRP were given an opportunity to fill their postings and allotment of hospitals, of their choice. However, at present, the DRP postings are allotted directly based on the zones Page3 of 5 in which the resident is pursuing the Post Graduate Course, without inviting any choice from the Post Graduate Residents. The petitioner would submit that the empanelled hospitals are not providing any basic requirements to the Post Graduate Residents and therefore, they face great difficulties in getting accommodation, food, transportation etc., especially no landlords are providing a house for rent for a shorter period of three months.

¶3The petitioner would submit that she is a native of Ariyalur and have a four year old child, and on account of her DRP posting at Ponneri, she is unable to take care of his son. Therefore, she had made oral requests as well as written representation dated 02.02.2026 to the respondents to post her in the native place. Since no response is forthcoming, the petitioner is before this Court.

¶4Heard the learned counsel on either side.

¶5Ms.Sneha, learned Special Counsel appearing for respondents 1 and 2, has brought to the notice of the Court that the Director of Medical Education and Research, by her letter dated 17.02.2026 in Ref.No.054367/ME1/1/2025 has finalised and given the list of empanelled hospitals in which the Post Graduate Residents of each medical college has to undergo the District Residency Programme (DRP). Therefore, the post graduate students ceased to have their Page4 of 5 right of choice in selecting and allotting the hospital.

¶6In view of the same, the relief claimed by the petitioner cannot be granted and accordingly, the writ petition is dismissed. No costs. 25-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order DS To:

¶1The President Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), National Medical Commission, Pocket-14, Sector-8, Dwarka, Phase-1, New Delhi-110 077.

¶2The Principal Secretary to Government Health and Family Welfare Department, Secretariat,4th Floor, Namakkal Kavingnar Maaligai, Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009.

¶3The Director of Medical Education and Research No.162, Periyar E.V.R.High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai-010.

¶4The Dean ESI Medical College and Hospital, Ashok Pillar Road, K.K.Nagar, Chennai-078. Page5 of 5

P.T.ASHA, J. DS 25-03-2026

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 25-03-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA Ponni Dhanapal D/o.Dhanapal, No.40/5A, Ramasamy Street Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu – 621 704. ..Petitioner Vs 1. The President Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), National Medical Commission, Pocket-14, Sector-8, Dwarka, Phase-1, New Delhi- 110 077. 2. The Principal Secretary to Government Health and Family Welfare Department, Secretariat,4th Floor, Namakkal Kavingnar Maaligai, Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009. 3. The Director of Medical Education and Research No.162, Periyar E.V.R.High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai-010. 4. The Dean ESI Medical College and Hospital, Ashok Pillar Road, K.K.Nagar, Chennai-078. ..Respondent(s) PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 4 to allot a choice based hospital to the petitioner for District Residency Programme Page2 of 5 (DRP) undergone during the post Graduate Course by considering the petitioner's representation, dated, 02.02.2026 within a time limit fixed by this Court. For Petitioner: Mr.E.C.Ramesh For Respondents: Mr. A.Kumaraguru Standing Counsel for R1 Ms.Sneha Special Counsel for 2 & R3