K.Sharvine (Minor) v. The Convenor, Centac,

ORDER This writ petition is filed to direct the respondents to accept the petitioner's certificates of merit in swimming sport for the years dated 22.09.2021, dated

06.06.2022, dated 27.07.2023, issued by Puducherry Swimming Diving Waterpolo Association (Previously Pondicherry state Swimming Association) to award 195 marks for all 3 certificates, as per G.O. Ms. No 16, Chief Secretariat (higher and Technical Education) dated 14.07.2026 and consequently revise the MSP score of the petitioner to refix his rank in the yet to be published Main Merit List for UG NEET MSP ELIGLBLE Candidates 2026 -2027.

¶2Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner has applied before the first respondent seeking admission to the UG NEET MBBS Course for the academic year 2026-27. Along with the application, the petitioner produced five gold-level (1st position) sports performance certificates covering the preceding five-year period from 2021 to 2025. These certificates were issued by the Puducherry Swimming Diving Waterpolo Association and submitted to respondents 1 and 2 for consideration under the Eminent Sports Persons quota, as provisioned under G.O.Ms.No.16, Chief Secretariat (Higher Page3 of 6 and Technical Education), Government of Puducherry, dated 14.07.2026.

2.1. It is further submitted that the second respondent considered the petitioner's certificates only for the years 2024 and 2025, omitting the certificates for the years 2021 to 2023. The reason cited for this omission was that the three excluded certificates were issued under the name of the "Puducherry State Swimming Association." This omission resulted in the petitioner being awarded only 130 marks instead of his eligible score, causing a loss of 195 marks. Consequently, the petitioner's rank was pushed down to Rank 15 instead of Rank 3 in the Draft Merit List for UG NEET MSP Eligible Candidates 2026-27, dated 17.08.2026. In this regard, the petitioner's father has submitted a representation letter dated 05.08.2026, enclosing the original copies of clarification letters issued by the Swimming Federation of India and the Puducherry Swimming Diving Waterpolo Association. These letters clarifies that the Puducherry Swimming Diving Waterpolo Association and the Puducherry State Swimming Association are one and the same entity. However, without considering the said representation, the first respondent published the draft merit list. Hence, the petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition.

¶3Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that it would be suffice if this Court issues a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner's merit certificates in swimming for the years 2021 to 2023, duly Page4 of 6 taking into account the letter dated 05.08.2026.

¶4Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and perused the materials available on record.

¶5In view of the limited relief sought by the petitioner, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondents to consider the petitioner's prayer by taking into consideration the letter dated 05.08.2026. The respondents shall pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of two days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. With the aforesaid direction, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is also closed. 20-08-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order VM Note: Issue order copy on 20.08.2026 Page5 of 6 To:

¶1The Convenor, CENTAC, Government of Puducherry, Kamarajar Manimandapam, Near Sivaji Statue, Karuvadikuppam, Puducherry 605 008.

¶2The Deputy Director of Sports and youth services Government of Puducherry, Directorate of school Edn, Indira Gandhi Square Complex, Anna Nagar, Puducherry 605 005. WPoNo.o34172oofo2026 KRISHNANoRAMASAMY,oJ. VM WPoNo.o34172oofo2026 20-08-2026 Page6oofo6

Page1 of 6 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 20-08-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY and W.M.P.No.37575 of 2026 K.Sharvine (Minor) Rep. by his natural guardian and father R. Kesavelu No 41, West Street, VTC. Villianur, Puducherry 605 110. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Convenor, CENTAC, Government of Puducherry, Kamarajar Manimandapam, Near Sivaji Statue, Karuvadikuppam, Puducherry 605 008. 2. The Deputy Director of Sports and youth services, Government of Puducherry, Directorate of school Edn, Indira Gandhi Square Complex, Anna Nagar, Puducherry 605 005. ..Respondent(s) Prayer: This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the Respondents to accept the petitioner's certificates of merit in swimming sport for the years dated 22.09.2021, dated 06.06.2022, dated 27.07.2023, issued by Puducherry Swimming Diving Waterpolo Association (Previously Pondicherry state Swimming Association) to award 195 marks for all 3 certificates, as per G.O. Ms. No 16, Chief Secretariat (higher and Technical Education) dated 14.07.2026 and consequently revise the MSP score of the petitioner to refix his rank in the yet to be published Main Merit List for UG NEET MSP ELIGLBLE Page2 of 6 Candidates 2026 -2027. For Petitioner(s): Mr.S.Abu Backer Sidhic