K.Saraswathi v. The Government of Tamil Nadu

Order This Writ Petition has been filed challenging the impugned certificate issued by the 9th respondent, wherein it has been erroneously assessed that the petitioner's son suffers from only 25% disability.

¶2The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner's son successfully completed his Senior School Examination in 2026. In the year 2021, the petitioner's son met with a road accident, underwent two surgeries, and was subsequently issued a Unique Disability ID (UDID) by the Government reflecting 65% locomotor disability. Consequently, the petitioner's son applied for Tamil Nadu NEET-UG 2026 under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category, specifically under the SC-PwBD quota, belonging to the Scheduled Caste community. The NEET examination was conducted on 21.06.2026, wherein he secured 229 marks out of 720. Thereafter, the petitioner's son was referred to the Medical Board for assessment. The Medical Assessment Board issued a certificate assessing his benchmark disability at 25%, concluding that he was ineligible for PwBD reservation since a minimum benchmark of 40% disability is mandatory under the governing Page4 of 7 guidelines. Aggrieved by the said certificate issued by the Medical Assessment Board, the petitioner has approached this Court.

¶3The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submitted that a number of seats remain available under the PwBD category. It is further submitted that the National Medical Commission has designated an appellate authority, namely Madras Medical College, Chennai, enabling candidates to file an appeal against certificates issued by the Assessment Board. In the event the petitioner submits an appropriate representation before the said authority, the same will be duly considered in accordance with law.

¶4Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record.

¶5In view of the above submissions, the Dean / Chairperson, Madras Medical College, Chennai, is suo motu impleaded as the 10th respondent in this Writ Petition. It is brought to the notice of this Court that the second round of counselling is scheduled to be held on 30.08.2026. As an effective statutory appellate mechanism is available, the petitioner is directed to submit a formal representation to the 10th respondent-the Dean / Chairperson, Madras Medical College, Chennai. Upon receipt of such application, the 10th respondent-MMC, being the designated appellate authority, shall consider the representation, conduct a reassessment of the candidate's disability, and pass appropriate orders Page5 of 7 on merits within a period of ten days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, thereby enabling the petitioner to participate in the ensuing NEET counselling if found eligible.

¶6This Writ Petition stands disposed of with the above directions. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition in WMP.No.36481/2026 is ordered and WMP.No.36482 and 36484/2026 are closed. 17-08-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SK Note: Issue order copy on 18.08.2026 To

¶1Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare (MCA-1) Department, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai.

¶2The Director of Medica Education Directorate of Medical Education and Research, No.162, Periyar EVR High Road, Kilpauk,Chennai-010.

¶3The Secretary Selection Committee, Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), No.162, Periyar EVR High Road, Kilpauk,Chennai-010.

¶4The Registrar Tamil Nadu Dr.MGR Medical University, No.69, Anna Salai, Guindy, Chennai-32. Page6 of 7

¶5The Principal Secretary State Higher Education Department, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai.

¶6The Director General of Health Services Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, F-17, Karkardooma, New Delhi-110 032.

¶7The Secretary, National Medical Commission Pocket-14, Sector -8, Dwarka Phase-1, New Delhi-110 077.

¶8National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences Rep by its president, Medical Enclave, Ansari Nagar, Ring Road, New Delhi-110 029.

¶9The Chairman, Medical Assessment Board Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai-3.

10.The Dean/Chairperson, Madras Medical College, No. 1, EVR Periyar Salai (Poonamallee High Road), Park Town, Chennai - 600003, Tamil Nadu, India. WPoNo.o33174oofo2026 KRISHNANoRAMASAMYoJ. sk WPoNo.o33174oofo2026 AND WMPoNO.o36481oOFo2026,WMPoNO.o36482oOFo2026,WMPoNO.o36484oOFo 2026 17-08-2026 Page7oofo7

Page1 of 7 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 17-08-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY AND WMP NO. 36481 OF 2026,WMP NO. 36482 OF 2026,WMP NO. 36484 OF 2026 K.Saraswathi W/o.R.Nagarajan, No.63/C,Kamarajar Street, West Kanthasamipuram, Ulundurpet, Kallakurichi. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Government Of Tamil Nadu Rep by its Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare (MCA- 1) Department, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai. 2. The Director of Medica Education Directorate of Medical Education and Research, No.162, Periyar EVR High Road, Kilpauk,Chennai-010. 3. The Secretary Selection Committee, Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), No.162, Periyar EVR High Road, Kilpauk,Chennai-010. 4. The Registrar Tamil Nadu Dr.MGR Medical University, No.69, Anna Salai, Guindy, Chennai-32. 5. The Principal Secretary Page2 of 7 State Higher Education Department, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai. 6. The Director General of Health Services Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, F-17, Karkardooma, New Delhi-110 032. 7. National Medical Commission Rep by its Secretary, Pocket- 14, Sector -8, Dwarka Phase- 1, New Delhi-110 077. 8. National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences Rep by its president, Medical Enclave, Ansari Nagar, Ring Road, New Delhi-110 029. 9. The Medical Assessment Board Rep by its Chairman, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai-3. 10.The Dean/Chairperson, Madras Medical College, No. 1, EVR Periyar Salai (Poonamallee High Road), Park Town, Chennai - 600003, Tamil Nadu, India. (10th respondent is suo motu impleaded vide order dated 17.08.2026) ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of writ of Certiorarified mandamus calling for records of the 9th respondent ending with certificate No.2026- AUG/ UDID/ 001007 dated 7/8/26 and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents to allot MBBS Seat to the Petitioners son Master.N.Ragul under the SC- PWBD Category for NEET UG 2026. Page3 of 7 For Petitioner(s): Mr.N.A.Nissar Ahmed, Senior Counsel for Mr.I.Kowser Nissar For Respondent(s): Mr.G.Ramdas, Special Government Pleader for R1 to R3, R5, R9 and R10 Mr.A.Kumaraguru, Senior Panel Counsel for R7 Dr.G.Babu, Senior Panel Counsel