Madras High Court Grants Interim Relief to Student with Disability to Appear for Exams

Court reserves final decision on claims for tuition and special fee exemption pending further submissions

In a significant development at the Madras High Court, Justice N. Anand Venkatesh has provided interim relief to Gokula Krishnan B, a petitioner with 40% disability, allowing him to appear for examinations commencing on November 3, 2025. The petitioner had initially been denied exemption from tuition and special fees due to possessing only a 10% disability. However, following the issuance of a new disability certificate confirming a 40% disability, the court has permitted him to proceed with his examinations while reserving judgment on the broader claims regarding fee exemptions.

The dispute arose when Gokula Krishnan, represented by Senior Counsel Mr. Abudukumar Rajarathinam, challenged the Tamilnadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University's decision not to exempt him from tuition and special fees. The initial writ petition, dismissed on August 11, 2025, was grounded on the assertion that waiver provisions apply only to individuals with a disability of 40% or above, a criterion the petitioner failed to meet at the time. The court had directed Krishnan to pay the requisite fees within four weeks, allowing him to attend classes in the interim.

Following the dismissal, Krishnan obtained a new government-issued disability certificate indicating a 40% disability, prompting the filing of a fresh writ petition. The Senior Counsel for the petitioner argued that based on the prospectus, candidates under the disability category should be exempted from fees. However, the Standing Counsel for the respondents, Mr. S. Sivashanmugam, opposed any interim relief, highlighting that the petitioner had not joined under the disability category and questioning the timing of the new certificate.

Justice Venkatesh's order allows Krishnan to write his examinations but emphasizes that this interim relief does not confer any right to fee exemptions. The court has directed that Krishnan's answer papers be stored in a sealed cover by the University until further orders. The case has been scheduled for a hearing on November 17, 2025, with instructions for the respondents to file their counter submissions.

This decision underscores the court's balanced approach in addressing educational access for differently-abled individuals while ensuring due process in the claims of fee exemption. The case continues to draw attention to the legal nuances surrounding disability rights and educational policies in India.

Bottom Line:

Disability Certificate - Interim relief granted to petitioner with 40% disability to write examinations, while reserving final decision on his claims for tuition and special fee exemption.

Statutory provision(s): Education Law - Disability certificate

Gokula Krishnan B v. Registrar, The Tamilnadu Dr.Ambedkar Law University, (Madras) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2801999