WP/40572/2026 of VIKASINI R Vs The State of Tamilnadu on 1 October 2026

Order

This writ petition has been filed seeking to direct the respondents 2 and 3 to consider the petitioner’s representations dated 23.9.2026 and 25.9.2026 and to permit the petitioner to correct or to update the option relating to Linguistic Minority category from NO to YES in her online application bearing application No.26UG909456 submitted for MBBS Management quota counselling for the Academic Year 2026-2027 by taking into account the Telugu Linguistic Minority certificates already furnished by the petitioner and consequently direct the 2nd and 3rd respondent to consider the petitioner’s candidature under the Telugu Linguistic Minority category in the ongoing or subsequent rounds of counselling and permit the petitioner to take part in the

MBBS 2026-2027 selection process under Telugu Linguistic Minority category subject to verification of the original certificates her eligibility, merit and availability of seats even in the management quota.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner appeared for the UG NEET in the year 2026 and secured 195 marks, and applied for MBBS Course under the Management Quota. While filling up the online application, the petitioner marked 'No' in column Linguistic Minority Category as the requisite certificate had not been received at that point of time. However, subsequently, the petitioner was issued with the Telugu Linguistic Minority certificate bearing Cert.No.121/2025 dated 22.09.2026. Therefore, the petitioner addressed an email dated 23.09.2026 to the 3rd respondent requesting permission to correct the application and to consider the petitioner under Telugu Linguistic Minority Category. Since the same was not considered, again the petitioner made a representation dated 25.09.2026 to the Ministry for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu. Since the respondents have neither granted the correction nor communicated any decision, the present writ petition has been filed.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner would further submit that the petitioner made application on 06.07.2026 and the respondents had opened a correction window portal on 07.08.2026, 11.08.2026 and 12.08.2026.

However, the petitioner got his linguistic minority certificate only on 22.09.2026. In the meantime, the correction window portal got closed and Merit Lists were subsequently published. Since the petitioner received her certificate belatedly, her constitutional right to admit under the Telugu Linguistic Minority category cannot be deprived. Under these circumstances, the learned counsel submitted that the petitioner may be permitted to participate in the future counselling, in the event any seats are available and if the petitioner is otherwise eligible.

4. Per contra, Mr.G.Ramdas, learned Special Government Pleader who accepts notice on behalf of the respondents has strongly made his objection, contending that at the time of submission of her application, the petitioner did not seek any consideration under the Linguistic Minority Category. Furthermore, the petitioner has already participated in two rounds of counselling and was unsuccessful in securing a seat. Now the third round of counselling has also commenced. Consequently, the petitioner is now making a claim under the Linguistic Minority category at this belated stage. He further submits that in the event this Court is inclined to consider the petitioner's request, the petitioner may be directed to participate only in the subsequent counselling.

5. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents.

6. Considering the submissions made by both parties, it is evident that there is no dispute that the petitioner belongs to the Telugu Linguistic Minority community and is entitled to a seat under the Linguistic Minority category. The petitioner was not in a position to obtain the said certificate in time because she was initially unaware that she was entitled to a seat under the Linguistic Minority category. Upon coming to know about the same, she submitted an application to obtain the certificate. At present, the counselling process is ongoing, and the petitioner had not filed an initial application to participate in the counselling under the Linguistic Minority category. Furthermore, the Constitutional rights are guaranteed to the petitioner under the minority category, and such rights cannot be completely deprived owing to a delay in producing the certificate. While the modality of availing such benefits may differ, if the benefits are still available prospectively, the petitioner's application can be considered, subject to the availability of seats.

7. Such being the case, this Court directs the respondents 2 and 3 to permit the petitioner to participate in future rounds of counselling upon the production of the original Linguistic Minority Certificate along with a copy of this order, in the event any seats are available under the Linguistic Minority

Category and the petitioner is otherwise eligible.

8. In view of the above, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 01-10-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No rst Note: Issue Order Copy Today. To

1. The Secretary to Government, Ministry of Health and family Welfare Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.

2. The Director of Medical Education, 162, Periyar EVR High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai-600 010.

3. The Secretary, Selection Committee, 162, Periyar EVR High Road Kilpauk, Chennai-600 010.

KRISHNAN RAMASAMY J. rst WP No. 40572 of 2026 AND WMP NO. 45525 OF 2026 01-10-2026