High Court · 2025

WP No. 22562 of 2025IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRASDATED: 25-06-2025CORAMTHE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPANWP No. 22562 of 2025Premnath.VPetitioner(s)Vs1.The Member SecretaryTamil Nadu Public Service Commission, TNPSC Road, Park Town, Chennai-600 0032.The Chief SecretaryGovernment Of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat Chennai-600 009.3.The Principal Secretary To Government,Higher Education Department, Secretariat, Chennai-600 009.4.The SecretaryUniversity Grants Commission, New Delhi.5.The Director,Forensic Sciences Department, No.30a, Page No.1 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 2025Kamarajar Salai, Mylapore, Chennai - 600004. (R5 Suo Motu Impleaded Vide Order Dated 24.06.2025 Made In WP.22562/2025)Respondent(s)PRAYERdirecting respondents to include B.Sc. Forensic Science as valid undergraduate qualification under the Biology Group for the post of Junior Scientific Officer, as advertised as Post Code 1767 by the TNPSC in its notification No.09/2025 Advertisement No.711 dated 21.05.2025 and to modify the online application portal thereby allowing B.Sc. Forensic Science graduates along with other Degrees as prescribed to submit application without restriction.For Petitioner(s):Mr.Benny For Mr.T.K.S.GandhiFor Respondent(s):M/s.G.Hema S.C., For R1 Mr.G.Nanmaran, S.G.P. For R2 And R5 Mr.C.Jayaprakash, Govt.Advocate For R3ORDERThe instant writ petition has been filed to direct the respondents to include B.Sc. Forensic Science as a valid undergraduate qualification under the Biology Group for the post of Junior Scientific Officer, as advertised under Post Code 1767 by the TNPSC in its Notification No.09/2025, Advertisement Page No.2 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 2025No.711 dated 21.05.2025. The petition also seeks to modify the online application portal to allow B.Sc. Forensic Science graduates, along with other prescribed degree holders, to submit applications without restriction.2. The grievances of the petitioner are that he was interested in applying for the post of Junior Scientific Officer through the Combined Technical Services Examination, as per Notification No.09 of 2025, dated May 21, 2025, conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC). However, while applying online, he encountered an issue in the academic qualification details section, where his undergraduate degree, B.Sc. Forensic Science, was not listed. Despite reaching out to the Grievance Cell via phone and email, he received no resolution. Therefore, it is stated that the omission of B.Sc. Forensic Science as a valid undergraduate qualification under the Biology Group for the post of Junior Scientific Officer in the State of Tamil Nadu is untenable.3. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the notification prescribes specific qualifications, including an undergraduate Page No.3 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 2025degree, for the post. Although the petitioner's postgraduate degree, M.Sc. (Forensic Science), matches the notification's requirements, his undergraduate degree is not listed as an eligible qualification in the application module. Specifically, there is no drop-down option for B.Sc. Forensic Science, preventing the petitioner from applying.4. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the Forensic Science Department and the learned Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) submitted that though they require a postgraduate qualification of M.Sc. Forensic Science, their rules also mandate a specific undergraduate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or related fields, to ensure a strong foundation in core subjects. They contend that having M.Sc. Forensic Science with an unrelated undergraduate degree may impact one's knowledge in the core subjects, which is why the rule requires the undergraduate degree to be in specific fields like Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Hence, the present writ petition is liable to be dismissed.Page No.4 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 20255. I have given my anxious consideration to the submissions made by both sides.6. Whenever a notification for appointing an employee is issued, it is the absolute right of the Appointing Authority to determine the required qualification. Therefore, the notification containing the qualification cannot be interfered with under the judicial review. However, in the notification it is clearly mentioned about the qualification as follows:23.Junior Scientific Officer 1767(i) M.Sc. (Forensic Science) degree and a degree in the subject, for the group as shown in the explanation below to which he/she is appointed (or)M.Sc. degree in the subject for the group as shown in the explanation below to which he/she is appointed.(ii) Other things being equal, preference shall be given to person who holds a degree in M.Sc. (Forensic Science).Explanation: The group, Division and subjects are specified below:-Sl.No.Name of the Group (2)Division/Unit belonging to the Group(3)Subject eligible for Division/Unit(4)Page No.5 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 20251BiologyiAnthropologyiiBiologyiiiSerologyivDNAZoology/Physical Anthropology Botany/Zoology/ Bio-Chemistry/ Micro-Biology/ Bio-Technology / Genetics2ChemistryiChemistryiiExplosivesiiiNarcoticsChemistry (Organic /Inorganic /Physical/ Analytical / Polymer/ Applied) / Environmental ToxicologyivToxicologyvProhibitionviExciseChemistry (Organic /Inorganic /Physical/ Analytical / Polymer/ Applied) / Bio- Chemistry/ Environmental Toxicology3 PhysicsPhysicsPhysicsPage No.6 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 20254Physics and ChemistryiBallisticsPhysics / Chemistry (Organic /Inorganic / Physical/ Analytical/Polymer/ Applied)iiComputer Forensic ScienceChemistry/ Computer Science/PhysicsNote: The individuals who possess M.Sc. degree in Computer Science must have acquired a basic degree in Physics or Chemistry as major subject. The individuals who possess M.Sc. degree in Environmental Toxicology must have acquired a basic degree with Chemistry as major subject, for appointment in Chemistry or Prohibition or Excise or Explosives or Narcotics Divisions/UnitsThe individuals who possess M.Sc. degree in Physics or Chemistry or Forensic Science with a basic degree in Physics or Chemistry as major subject must have acquired a Diploma or Post-graduate Diploma in Computer Application or any subject related to Computer Science for appointment in Computer Forensic Science Division/Unit.7. Apart from that, whenever a degree obtained by a candidate is not in consonance with the degree required for qualification in the notification, it is the primordial duty of the candidate to submit an equivalence certificate. Unless the Page No.7 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 2025candidate submits an equivalence certificate, it is not permissible to participate in the recruitment process. 8. If the Court sympathizes with the petitioner, it would affect Article 14 of Constitution, as similarly placed persons may lose the opportunity. Furthermore, while exercising the power of judicial review under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, this Court cannot encroach upon the domain of the expert and the appointing authority's requirements. Hence this Court does not find any merit in the present writ petition.9. In result, this Writ Petition stands dismissed. No costs.25-06-2025Index:Yes/NoSpeaking/Non-speaking orderInternet:YesNeutral Citation:Yes/NoJeniToPage No.8 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 20251.The Member SecretaryTamil Nadu Public Service Commission, Tnpsc Road, Park Town, Chennai-600 0032.The Chief SecretaryGovernment Of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat Chennai-600 009.3.The Principal Secretary To Government,Higher Education Department, Secretariat Chennai-600 009.4.The SecretaryUniversity Grants Commission, New Delhi.5.The Director,Forensic Sciences Department, No.30a, Kamarajar Salai, Mylapore, Chennai - 600004. Page No.9 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 2025C.KUMARAPPAN J.JeniWP No. 22562 of 2025 25-06-2025Page No.10 of 10

WP No. 22562 of 2025IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRASDATED: 25-06-2025CORAMTHE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPANWP No. 22562 of 2025Premnath.VPetitioner(s)Vs1.The Member SecretaryTamil Nadu Public Service Commission, TNPSC Road, Park Town, Chennai-600 0032.The Chief SecretaryGovernment Of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat Chennai-600 009.3.The Principal Secretary To Government,Higher Education Department, Secretariat, Chennai-600 009.4.The SecretaryUniversity Grants Commission, New Delhi.5.The Director,Forensic Sciences Department, No.30a, Page No.1 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 2025Kamarajar Salai, Mylapore, Chennai - 600004. (R5 Suo Motu Impleaded Vide Order Dated 24.06.2025 Made In WP.22562/2025)Respondent(s)PRAYERdirecting respondents to include B.Sc. Forensic Science as valid undergraduate qualification under the Biology Group for the post of Junior Scientific Officer, as advertised as Post Code 1767 by the TNPSC in its notification No.09/2025 Advertisement No.711 dated 21.05.2025 and to modify the online application portal thereby allowing B.Sc. Forensic Science graduates along with other Degrees as prescribed to submit application without restriction.For Petitioner(s):Mr.Benny For Mr.T.K.S.GandhiFor Respondent(s):M/s.G.Hema S.C., For R1 Mr.G.Nanmaran, S.G.P. For R2 And R5 Mr.C.Jayaprakash, Govt.Advocate For R3ORDERThe instant writ petition has been filed to direct the respondents to include B.Sc. Forensic Science as a valid undergraduate qualification under the Biology Group for the post of Junior Scientific Officer, as advertised under Post Code 1767 by the TNPSC in its Notification No.09/2025, Advertisement Page No.2 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 2025No.711 dated 21.05.2025. The petition also seeks to modify the online application portal to allow B.Sc. Forensic Science graduates, along with other prescribed degree holders, to submit applications without restriction.2. The grievances of the petitioner are that he was interested in applying for the post of Junior Scientific Officer through the Combined Technical Services Examination, as per Notification No.09 of 2025, dated May 21, 2025, conducted by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC). However, while applying online, he encountered an issue in the academic qualification details section, where his undergraduate degree, B.Sc. Forensic Science, was not listed. Despite reaching out to the Grievance Cell via phone and email, he received no resolution. Therefore, it is stated that the omission of B.Sc. Forensic Science as a valid undergraduate qualification under the Biology Group for the post of Junior Scientific Officer in the State of Tamil Nadu is untenable.3. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the notification prescribes specific qualifications, including an undergraduate Page No.3 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 2025degree, for the post. Although the petitioner's postgraduate degree, M.Sc. (Forensic Science), matches the notification's requirements, his undergraduate degree is not listed as an eligible qualification in the application module. Specifically, there is no drop-down option for B.Sc. Forensic Science, preventing the petitioner from applying.4. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the Forensic Science Department and the learned Standing Counsel appearing on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) submitted that though they require a postgraduate qualification of M.Sc. Forensic Science, their rules also mandate a specific undergraduate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or related fields, to ensure a strong foundation in core subjects. They contend that having M.Sc. Forensic Science with an unrelated undergraduate degree may impact one's knowledge in the core subjects, which is why the rule requires the undergraduate degree to be in specific fields like Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Hence, the present writ petition is liable to be dismissed.Page No.4 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 20255. I have given my anxious consideration to the submissions made by both sides.6. Whenever a notification for appointing an employee is issued, it is the absolute right of the Appointing Authority to determine the required qualification. Therefore, the notification containing the qualification cannot be interfered with under the judicial review. However, in the notification it is clearly mentioned about the qualification as follows:23.Junior Scientific Officer 1767(i) M.Sc. (Forensic Science) degree and a degree in the subject, for the group as shown in the explanation below to which he/she is appointed (or)M.Sc. degree in the subject for the group as shown in the explanation below to which he/she is appointed.(ii) Other things being equal, preference shall be given to person who holds a degree in M.Sc. (Forensic Science).Explanation: The group, Division and subjects are specified below:-Sl.No.Name of the Group (2)Division/Unit belonging to the Group(3)Subject eligible for Division/Unit(4)Page No.5 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 20251BiologyiAnthropologyiiBiologyiiiSerologyivDNAZoology/Physical Anthropology Botany/Zoology/ Bio-Chemistry/ Micro-Biology/ Bio-Technology / Genetics2ChemistryiChemistryiiExplosivesiiiNarcoticsChemistry (Organic /Inorganic /Physical/ Analytical / Polymer/ Applied) / Environmental ToxicologyivToxicologyvProhibitionviExciseChemistry (Organic /Inorganic /Physical/ Analytical / Polymer/ Applied) / Bio- Chemistry/ Environmental Toxicology3 PhysicsPhysicsPhysicsPage No.6 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 20254Physics and ChemistryiBallisticsPhysics / Chemistry (Organic /Inorganic / Physical/ Analytical/Polymer/ Applied)iiComputer Forensic ScienceChemistry/ Computer Science/PhysicsNote: The individuals who possess M.Sc. degree in Computer Science must have acquired a basic degree in Physics or Chemistry as major subject. The individuals who possess M.Sc. degree in Environmental Toxicology must have acquired a basic degree with Chemistry as major subject, for appointment in Chemistry or Prohibition or Excise or Explosives or Narcotics Divisions/UnitsThe individuals who possess M.Sc. degree in Physics or Chemistry or Forensic Science with a basic degree in Physics or Chemistry as major subject must have acquired a Diploma or Post-graduate Diploma in Computer Application or any subject related to Computer Science for appointment in Computer Forensic Science Division/Unit.7. Apart from that, whenever a degree obtained by a candidate is not in consonance with the degree required for qualification in the notification, it is the primordial duty of the candidate to submit an equivalence certificate. Unless the Page No.7 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 2025candidate submits an equivalence certificate, it is not permissible to participate in the recruitment process. 8. If the Court sympathizes with the petitioner, it would affect Article 14 of Constitution, as similarly placed persons may lose the opportunity. Furthermore, while exercising the power of judicial review under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, this Court cannot encroach upon the domain of the expert and the appointing authority's requirements. Hence this Court does not find any merit in the present writ petition.9. In result, this Writ Petition stands dismissed. No costs.25-06-2025Index:Yes/NoSpeaking/Non-speaking orderInternet:YesNeutral Citation:Yes/NoJeniToPage No.8 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 20251.The Member SecretaryTamil Nadu Public Service Commission, Tnpsc Road, Park Town, Chennai-600 0032.The Chief SecretaryGovernment Of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat Chennai-600 009.3.The Principal Secretary To Government,Higher Education Department, Secretariat Chennai-600 009.4.The SecretaryUniversity Grants Commission, New Delhi.5.The Director,Forensic Sciences Department, No.30a, Kamarajar Salai, Mylapore, Chennai - 600004. Page No.9 of 10 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 22562 of 2025C.KUMARAPPAN J.JeniWP No. 22562 of 2025 25-06-2025Page No.10 of 10