S.Iswarya v. The Secretary

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 27.11.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MS.JUSTICE P.T.ASHA Writ Petition(MD)No.33549 of 2025 S.Iswarya ..Petitioner Vs The Secretary, The Selection Committee, Directorate of Medical Education and Research, No.162, Periyar EVR High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600 010.

..Respondent Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondent to permit the petitioner to register her candidature (NEET UG Roll Number 4124104331) for admission to MBBS course and also direct the respondent to take steps to fill the 100 vancancies by conducting special stray vacancy counselling.

For Petitioner : Mr.P.Ganapathi Subramanian For Respondents : M/s M.Sneha 1/6

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent to permit the petitioner to register her candidature (NEET-UG Roll No. 4124104331) for admission to the MBBS course and further to direct the respondent to fill up the alleged 100 vacant seats by conducting a special stray vacancy counselling.

2. The petitioner would submit that she appeared for NEET-UG and secured 165 marks, which, according to her, is above the cut-off prescribed for stray vacancy counselling. She contended that she had participated in All India Quota counselling, wherein fresh registration is permitted at each stage, and therefore sought similar treatment under the Tamil Nadu State Management Quota. It was further submitted that nearly 100 seats remain vacant under the State Management Quota and that, if left unfilled, such seats would lapse.

3. According to the petitioner, denial of an opportunity to apply for these vacancies is arbitrary. On these grounds, she sought a direction permitting her to register her candidature or for conduct of a special stray vacancy counselling.

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4. Per contra, the respondent submitted that the petitioner never applied for Tamil Nadu State UG MBBS counselling, either under the Government quota or the Management quota, within the prescribed time. It was emphasized that the prospectus categorically mandates that applications for State quota counselling must be submitted only once and within the notified deadline, failing which the candidate becomes ineligible for counselling at any stage. The respondent further submitted that State quota counselling is distinct from All India Quota counselling, and fresh registration is not permitted after closure of the application window. It was also contended that stray vacancy counselling is not a fresh round of admission, but only a continuation of counselling among candidates already included in the State merit list. As per the Supreme Court-approved counselling schedule, all counselling processes must conclude by 20.11.2025, and courts cannot direct reopening or extension of the counselling process.

5. This Court observes that the prospectus governing medical admissions has statutory force and is binding on both the candidates and the authorities. Submission of an application within the stipulated time is a condition precedent for participation in State counselling. The Court further observes that stray vacancy counselling does not create an independent or vested right in favour of candidates who never applied for State counselling. 3/6

Mere existence of vacant seats does not entitle an ineligible candidate to seek admission nor can it compel the authorities to conduct special or additional counselling.

6. The petitioner's reliance on All India Quota counselling norms is misplaced, as State quota admissions are governed by separate rules and procedures. In the absence of any arbitrariness, discrimination, or violation of statutory provisions, this Court cannot invoke its extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to override the conditions stipulated in the prospectus.

7. Since the petitioner failed to submit the mandatory application for State counselling within the prescribed time, she does not possess any legal or enforceable right to participate in stray vacancy counselling or to demand conduct of a special counselling round.

8. In view of the above, the writ petition is dismissed. No costs. 27.11.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet:Yes skn 4/6

To The Secretary, The Selection Committee, Directorate of Medical Education and Research, No.162, Periyar EVR High Road, Kilpauk, Chennai - 600 010.

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P.T.ASHA, J.

skn Writ Petition(MD)No.33549 of 2025 27.11.2025 6/6