Minor R. Senthalai, v. The State of Tamil Nadu

ORDER The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 3rd respondent to include the name of the petitioner in the Provisional Selection List for the MBBS/BDS 2026–2027 Session (Government Quota) forthwith.

¶2The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner appeared for the NEET (UG) 2026 examination and secured 286 marks. Pursuant to the notification issued for MBBS/BDS admissions for the academic year 2026–2027, she submitted her online application to the 3rd respondent on

27.07.2026 under the Government/Management Quota. However, her name was Page2 of 7 excluded from the provisional rank list owing to the non-furnishing of her Nativity Certificate.

¶3The learned counsel further submitted that since the Nativity Certificate was obtained only on 27.07.2026—the final date for submission of applications—it could not be uploaded along with the online application at the last minute. It is contended that no prior intimation regarding the rejection of the application was communicated to the petitioner. The petitioner came to know about the exclusion of her name only when the provisional list was published on

10.08.2026.

¶4It is further submitted that had the respondents timeously intimated the deficiency or rejection, the petitioner could have uploaded the requisite document during the window provided by the respondents for rectifying defects until 11.08.2026 and 12.08.2026. When the petitioner subsequently approached the respondents on 18.08.2026 with a request for reconsideration, she was orally informed that she was ineligible for inclusion in the list due to the non-submission of the Nativity Certificate. Aggrieved by the same, the petitioner has approached this Court. Page3 of 7

¶5Mr. G. Ramdas, learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents, submitted that the prospectus categorically stipulates that all mandatory documents must be uploaded at the time of submitting the application, failing which the application is liable for rejection. He further submitted that an opportunity to upload missing documents was initially provided up to 07.08.2026, and subsequently extended to 11.08.2026 and

12.08.2026. Since the petitioner failed to upload the required certificate within the prescribed timelines, the application was rejected. He argued that the petitioner cannot claim inclusion in the list published on 10.08.2026 as a matter of right, but fairly conceded that any relief would be subject to inter-se merit.

¶6This Court has carefully considered the facts and circumstances of the case and the rival submissions made on either side. Ordinarily, as per the rules and instructions to candidates, an applicant is required to upload all necessary credentials at the time of filing the application. In the instant case, the petitioner obtained the Nativity Certificate only on the last date of the application window, which prevented its immediate upload. The petitioner became aware of the rejection only upon seeing the selection list published on 10.08.2026. This Court found that rejecting a candidate for a technical delay in submitting a Nativity Certificate is unsustainable, especially when the valid document existed at the time of application. Since only copy of the certificate is required Page4 of 7 to be uploaded, the genuineness and validity of the certificates can be verified at the time of counselling.

¶7Accordingly, the respondents are directed to permit the petitioner to participate in the counselling process, subject to verification of the original certificates, her eligibility, merit and availability of seats. Since only copy of the certificate is required to be uploaded, the genuineness and validity of the certificate can be verified at the time of counselling. The first round of counselling is stated to be completed by 24.08.2026. If feasible, and subject to the petitioner satisfying the eligibility criteria, she shall be considered in the first round of counselling, subject to her position in the merit list and availability of seats. Otherwise, her candidature shall be considered in the second round of counselling, and subsequent counselling, thereafter.

¶8With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. 21-08-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Asi Page5 of 7 To

¶1The Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009.

¶2The Director of Medical Education Directorate of Medical Education, No.162, Periyar E.V.R. Road, Kilpauk, Chennai-010.

¶3The Secretary, Selection Committee, Directorate of Medical Education, No.162, Periyar E.V.R. Road, Kilpauk, Chennai-010. Page6 of 7 WPoNo.o34415oofo2026 KRISHNANoRAMASAMY,oJ. Asi WPoNo.o34415oofo2026 21-08-2026 Page7oofo7

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 21-08-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY Minor R. Senthalai, Rep. by her Mother And Natural Guardian, R.Rajeshwari, No.79, Kizh Street, Nathamedu Mottankurichi Village, Pappireddipatti Taluk, Dharmapuri District. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The State of Tamil Nadu Rep. by its Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Fort St. George, Chennai- 600 009. 2. The Director of Medical Education Directorate of Medical Education, No.162, Periyar E.V.R. Road, Kilpauk, Chennai-010. 3. The Selection Committee Rep. by its Secretary, Directorate of Medical Education, No.162, Periyar E.V.R. Road, Kilpauk, Chennai-010. ..Respondent(s) Page1 of 7 PRAYER: The Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the directing the 3rd respondent to include the petitioner's name viz.,R.Senthalai in the Provisional Selection List for MBBS/ BDS 2026- 2027 Session (Government Quota) forthwith. For Petitioner(s): Mr. V.sivaraman For Respondent(s): Mr. G. Ramdas Special Government Pleader