Diana Agnesh.M v. The Co-Ordinator

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 08.09.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN and W.M.P.Nos.37155 & 37157 of 2025 Diana Agnesh.M

...Petitioner

-VsThe Co-ordinator, Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC), Directorate of Higher & Technical Education, Government of Puducherry, Kamarajar Maniamdapam, Karuvadikuppam, Puducherry - 605 008.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records relating to the impugned notice dated 06.08.2025 issued by the respondent herein, quash the same and consequently direct the respondent herein to include the petitioner's name in the final merits list for UG NEET Course for the academic year 2025-2026.

For Petitioner : Mr.K.Govi Ganesan For Respondents : Mr. J.Kumaran Additional Government Pleader (Pondy)

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed challenging the show cause notice dated 06.08.2025, thereby directing the petitioner to submit explanation by 6 p.m., on 07.08.2025, failing which she will not be considered for admission to the UG MBBS Course under the Puducherry Government quota.

2.

The petitioner after clearing her 12th standard, she applied for UG NEET examination for the academic year 2025-2026. She scored 371 marks and subsequently final merit list also published in which she got 412 rank. While being so, she was issued with show cause notice stating that the petitioner had claimed dual residence benefit by applying from Union Territory of Puducherry as well as the State of Tamil Nadu and called for explanation.

3.

The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner was not served the show cause notice through mail and it was delivered in the Spam folder. She had seen her mail belatedly and immediately on 25.08.2025, the petitioner submitted her explanation. However, no order has been passed so far. He further submitted that she

had applied for government quota in Tamil Nadu inadvertently only and the respondent had erroneously assumed that the petitioner is claiming dual residence benefit.

4.

On instructions, the learned Additional Government Pleader (Pondy) appearing for the respondent submitted that the petitioner after clearing the NEET examination, she applied in Union Territory of Puducherry for her MBBS UG Course under the government quota. Simultaneously, she had applied under the government quota in the State of Tamil Nadu. In fact, the petitioner filed affidavit at the time of applying for UG MBBS seat stating that the petitioner has not claimed the benefit of residence of admission in UG/PG medical course in a State/Union Territory other than Union Territory of Puducherry. Therefore, the petitioner had intentionally submitted application for her MBBS Course in the State of Tamil Nadu and it cannot be considered as inadvertent.

5.

Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials placed before this Court. 6.

Though she was not issued hall tickets to attend the NEET examination by the State of Tamil Nadu, later it was found that she also applied for medical seat in the State of Tamil Nadu under the government quota simultaneously. Therefore, the petitioner was rightly issued with show cause notice and this Court finds no infirmity or illegality in the show cause notice issued by the respondent. Further, the petitioner submitted her explanation on 25.08.2025 for the show cause notice issued by the respondent. Hence, the respondent is directed to pass orders on the explanation submitted by the petitioner in accordance with law. 7.

Accordingly, the Writ Petition stands dismissed. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. There shall be no order as to costs.

08.09.2025 Index : Yes/No : Yes/No Speaking/Non Speaking order rts

To The Co-ordinator, Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC), Directorate of Higher & Technical Education, Government of Puducherry, Kamarajar Maniamdapam, Karuvadikuppam, Puducherry - 605 008.

G.K.ILANTHIRAIYAN. J, rts W.P.No.33089 of 2025 and W.M.P.Nos.37155 & 37157 of 2025 04.09.2025