Nagarajan P v. The Headmaster
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 30.04.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE VIVEK KUMAR SINGH P.Nagarajan ... Petitioner Vs.
1.The Headmaster, Panchayat Union Primary School, Polakkapatti, Eravarpatti (Po), Usilampatti Taluk - 625537, Madurai District.
2.The Block Educational Officer, Chellampatti Block, Madurai District.
3.The District Educational Officer (Elementary Education), Thirumangalam, Madurai District - 625706.
4.The Head Master, Government Kallar Higher Secondary School, Vikkiramangalam, Madurai District.
... Respondents P RAYER:
Writ Petitions filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records relating to the impugned rejection order passed by the first respondent on the petitioner's application for issuance of PSTM certificate vide Application No.1401434565 and to quash the same as arbitrary, illegal and violative of principles of natural justice and 1/6
consequently, to direct the first respondent to issue PSTM certificate to the petitioner for his study period from 1st Standard to 5th Standard (1995-96 to 1999-2000) in Tamil Medium at Panchayat Union Primary School, Polakkapatti, Eravarpatti Post, Usilampatti Taluk, Madurai District - 625537, in the name of P.Nagarajan, within a time frame that may be fixed by this Court, so as to enable the petitioner to apply for the TNPSC Group - I Services Examination under the PSTM category. For Petitioner : Mr.N.Sudalai Muthu For Respondents : Mr.V.Om Prakash Government Advocate
ORDER
This writ petition has been filed seeking to quash the impugned rejection order passed by the first respondent on the petitioner's application (Application No.1401434565) for issuance of a PSTM certificate and for a consequential direction to the first respondent to issue the PSTM certificate to the petitioner for his study period from 1st Standard to 5th Standard (1995-96 to 1999-2000) in Tamil Medium at the first respondent School, in the name of P. Nagarajan, so as to enable the petitioner to apply for the TNPSC Group - I Services Examination under the PSTM category.
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2. The petitioner submits that he joined the first respondent School in Standard I during the academic year 1995-1996 and studied there up to Standard V under the Tamil Medium of instruction. Due to a clerical error, his name was entered in the school records as 'P.Nagadevan' instead of 'P.Nagarajan'. However, the transfer certificate issued by the first respondent correctly reflects his name as 'P.Nagarajan'. The internal school records, however, were never rectified to reflect this correction. Based on the said transfer certificate, the petitioner pursued further education at the fourth respondent School, where his name was correctly recorded as 'P.Nagarajan' from Standard VI to XII. The petitioner subsequently completed M.Sc. and B.Ed. degrees and is presently serving as a Deputy State Tax Officer under the Government of Tamil Nadu.
All his official documents, including Aadhaar, PAN card, Ration Card and service records, reflect the correct name, 'P.Nagarajan'. The petitioner, being an aspirant for the Group I Services Examination, seeks to avail reservation under the PSTM category, for which possession of a PSTM certificate is mandatory. While the fourth respondent has already issued a PSTM certificate for Standards VI to XII, the first respondent has refused to issue the certificate for Standards I to V, citing the name discrepancy in the school register.
submission of extensive documentary evidence and a fresh application, the first respondent has repeatedly rejected the request on the same ground, thereby causing serious prejudice to the petitioner's right to avail statutory reservation benefits. Hence, the present writ petition.
3. Heard both sides.
4. In the light of the above facts and circumstances of the case, the impugned order passed by the first respondent rejecting the petitioner's application for issuance of PSTM certificate is hereby set aside. The first respondent is directed to consider all the documents including the Nativity Certificate and the PSTM Certificate issued by the fourth respondent School and other supporting records evidencing his correct name and medium of instruction and to pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law. Such exercise shall be completed within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
5. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.
Index : Yes / No 30.04.2025 Internet : Yes / No Note:- Issue order copy on 30.04.2025.
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To 1.The Headmaster, Panchayat Union Primary School, Polakkapatti, Eravarpatti (Po), Usilampatti Taluk - 625537, Madurai District.
2.The Block Educational Officer, Chellampatti Block, Madurai District.
3.The District Educational Officer (Elementary Education), Thirumangalam, Madurai District - 625706.
4.The Head Master, Government Kallar Higher Secondary School, Vikkiramangalam, Madurai District.
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VIVEK KUMAR SINGH, J.
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