WP/44128/2026 of V.Arul Kumar Vs THE STATE OF TAMIL NADU on 28 October 2026

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking direction to the respondents to grant admission to the M.Sc. (Nursing) course for the academic year 2026–2027 only to candidates who obtained their Post Basic B.Sc. (Nursing) qualification through regular mode.

2. The petitioners are qualified nurses working in Government hospitals. The first petitioner obtained a Diploma in Nursing and subsequently completed Post Basic B.Sc. (Nursing) through regular mode in 2017, while the second petitioner obtained B.Sc. (Nursing) through regular mode in 2008. Both petitioners applied for admission to the M.Sc. (Nursing) course for the academic year 2026–2027 pursuant to the notification dated 02.10.2026.

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WP No. 44128 of 2026

3. The grievance of the petitioners is that the third respondent published a provisional rank list on 23.10.2026, including candidates who obtained their Post Basic B.Sc. (Nursing) qualification through Open and Distance Learning mode, contrary to the prescribed eligibility criteria and the earlier judgments of this Court.

4. The learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that this Court, in W.P. No. 5409 of 2018, by order dated 03.01.2019, held that the Post Basic B.Sc. (Nursing) qualification obtained through Open and Distance Learning mode was not recognised for the purpose in question. The said order was upheld by the Hon’ble Division Bench of this Court in W.A. No. 2207 of 2021, by judgment dated 29.10.2021, and the Special Leave Petition filed against the same was dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court on 11.12.2021. Despite the above, candidates possessing such qualifications have been included in the provisional rank list.

5. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners and the learned counsel appearing for the respondents and perused the records.

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6. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the third respondent is directed to strictly adhere to the eligibility criteria prescribed in the prospectus for admission to the M.Sc. (Nursing) course for the academic year 2026–2027, keeping in view the judgments referred to above, while proceeding with the selection process.

7. With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. K.SURENDER J. 28-10-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No JAI To

1. The Principle Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai 600009.

2. The Director of Medical Education and Research Periyar E.V.R High Road, Chennai-10.

3. The Secretary Selection Committee, Directorate of Medical Education and Research, Periyar E.V.R High Road, Chennai-10.

4. The Registrar The Tamil Nadu Nurses and Midwives Council, No 56, Santhome High Road, Mylapore, Chennai-600 004.

5. The Registrar The Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R.Medical University, 69, Anna Salai, Guindy, Chennai-600 032.

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WP No. 44128 of 2026

K.SURENDER J. JAI WP No. 44128 of 2026 AND WMP Nos. 49491 & 49495 of 2026 28-10-2026

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WP No. 44128 of 2026

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