J U D G M E N T

1. A candidate is allowed to sit in an examination under the Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer) [hereinafter ‘OBC-NCL’] category without any demur and qualifies in the merit list associated with the said category. He successfully submits his OBC-NCL certificate well within the time and date stipulated for submission of certificates. Nevertheless, his candidature gets cancelled on account of his failure to submit the OBC- NCL certificate issued within a particular timeframe or cut-off date stipulated in the prospectus of the said examination. The legality of cancellation of admission and the constitutional validity of such timeframe or cut-off for submission of OBC-NCL category certificates are the core issues that arise in this petition.

2. The instant petition has been filed assailing two e-mail communications dated 27.11.2023 and 29.11.2023. Vide e-mail dated 27.11.2023, the candidature of the petitioner has been assigned to un- reserved category; and vide another e-mail dated 29.11.2023, the petitioner’s OBC-NCL category certificate has been considered as invalid and not been considered for admission through Institution of National Importance Combined Entran