WP No. 34592 of 2026 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 21-08-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY WP No. 34592 of 2026 Keerthi V D/o.Venayakumar V, 170A, Door No.31A, 20th Avenue, Banu Nagar, Pudur, Ambattur, Chennai - 600053. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Directorate of Medical Education and Research, 162, Periyar E.V.R.High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600010. 2. The Secretary Selection Committee, Directorate Of Medical Education And Research, 162, Periyar E.V.R.High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600010. ..Respondent(s) PRAYER: The Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to permit the petitioner to upload/produce her nativity certificate, community certificate and religious minority certificate to consider and verify the said documents to treat the petitioners application bearing No.26UG932497 as eligible for consideration under the Christian religious minority category and to permit the petitioner to participate in the MBBS/BDS 2026-2027 counselling __________ Page1 of 7 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 34592 of 2026 process under the religious minority category, subject to verification of documents, merit and applicable rules. For Petitioner(s): Mr. J. Ravindran, Senior Counsel for Ms. M.Sneha For Respondent(s): Mr. G. Ramdas Special Government Pleader ORDER The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to permit the petitioner to upload/produce her Nativity Certificate, Community Certificate and Religious Minority Certificate, to consider and verify the said documents and treat her application bearing No.26UG932497 as eligible for consideration under the Christian Religious Minority category and consequently permit her to participate in the MBBS/BDS 2026–2027 counselling process under the said category, subject to verification of the documents, merit and applicable rules. 2. The learned Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that, at the time of submission of the application, the petitioner was not in possession of the requisite Nativity, Community and Religious Minority Certificates and, therefore, submitted an undertaking dated 23.07.2026 to produce the same subsequently. Though the second respondent granted extensions of time, the __________ Page2 of 7 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 34592 of 2026 petitioner could not upload the certificates within the extended period, as the certificates were obtained on different dates. The Religious Minority Certificate was obtained on 04.08.2026, the Nativity Certificate on 11.08.2026 and the Community Certificate on 15.08.2026. 3. The learned Senior Counsel further submitted that, though the second respondent had extended the time for uploading the requisite documents up to 11.08.2026 and 12.08.2026, the petitioner could not upload the same within the extended period since the Community Certificate had not been issued to her by then. Therefore, it was submitted that the delay was not attributable to the petitioner. It was further submitted that the petitioner, having secured 199 marks, may be permitted to participate in the first or second round of counselling. 4. Mr.G.Ramdas, learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents, raised objections. However, he submitted that, subject to the petitioner satisfying the eligibility criteria and availability of seats, this Court may direct the respondents to consider the petitioner’s candidature. __________ Page3 of 7 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 34592 of 2026 5. Heard the learned Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioner as well as the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents and perused the materials placed on record. 6. Admittedly, the petitioner had submitted an undertaking dated 23.07.2026 to produce the requisite certificates subsequently. Though extensions were granted by the second respondent up to 11.08.2026 and 12.08.2026, the petitioner could not upload the certificates within the extended period, as the Community Certificate was issued only on 15.08.2026. In the meantime, her application came to be rejected on 12.08.2026 for non-production of the requisite documents. 7. This Court is of the considered view that the Community Certificate was issued only on 15.08.2026 and the delay in its issuance was beyond the control of the petitioner. The petitioner cannot be faulted for the delay attributable to the concerned authority in issuing the certificate. In such circumstances, the rejection of the petitioner's application solely on the ground of non-production of the certificate within the stipulated time cannot be sustained. __________ Page4 of 7 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 34592 of 2026 8. Accordingly, 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 copies of the certificates are required to be uploaded, the genuineness and validity of the certificates 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 and subsequent round of counselling. 9. With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. 21-08-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No Asi __________ Page5 of 7 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 34592 of 2026 To 1. The Directorate of Medical Education and Research, 162, Periyar E.V.R.High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600010. 3. The Secretary, Selection Committee, Directorate Of Medical Education and Research, 162, Periyar E.V.R.High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600010. __________ Page6 of 7 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 34592 of 2026 KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J. Asi WP No. 34592 of 2026 21-08-2026 __________ Page7 of 7 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis