A student has the right to appear for examinations without coercive attendance requirements, particularly considering potential harm from institutional conduct.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 05.03.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI And W.M.P.No.7294 of 2026 Umang Nidhi, Minor Represented by his sister Shreya Nidhi ... Petitioner Vs.

1 Chettinad Vidyashram, R.A. Puram, Chennai – 600 028, Represented by its Management

2 The Principal, Chettinad Vidyashram, R.A. Puram, Chennai – 600 028. 3 Ms. Deepa Ayer

4 Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Represented by its Chairman Shiksha Kendra, New Delhi.

5 The Regional Officer, CBSE Regional Office, Chennai.

6 State of Tamil Nadu Represented by its Secretary, School Education Department, Secretariat, Chennai – 600 009. ... Respondents Prayer:

Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent 1-2 to forthwith permit the petitioner to appear in all Class XI Examinations, including internal and annual examinations, without insisting upon attendance or imposing any coercive or adverse conditions.

For Petitioner : Ms.Shreya Nidhi Party – in – Person For Respondents : Mr.R.P.Vijayakrishnan for R1 & R2 Additional Government Pleader R3 – No appearance Mr.T.Sri Krishna Bhagavat for R4 & R5 Ms.Mythreye Chandru for R6 Special Government Pleader

O R D E R

The petitioner has filed this writ petition seeking issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 and 2 to forthwith permit the petitioner to appear in all Class XI Examinations, including internal and annual examinations, without insisting upon attendance or imposing any coercive or adverse conditions.

2.The petitioner appearing as Party – In – Person submitted that the petitioner’s brother namely, Umang Nidhi, is studying Class XI in Chettinad Vidyashram. The grievance of the petitioner is that her brother was man handled and mis behaved by the staff of the respondents 1 and 2, thereby, he was mentally disturbed and is not able to continue his studies. The petitioner's brother was admitted in the respondents 1 and 2 School in Class XI since their father was working as Central Government Employee in Chennai. Subsequently, their father was transferred to Delhi. The petitioner’s brother is facing several health ailments and in view of the alleged harassment made by the staff of the respondents 1 and 2, he is not able to pursue his study in the campus of the respondents 1 and 2. Hence, prayed this Court to issue direction to the respondents 1 and 2 to conduct Class XI Examinations in any neutral place so as to enable the petitioner’s brother to complete the Examinations and secure Mark List, Transfer Certificate and Conduct Certificate, so as to enable him to join in any one of the CBSE Schools in Delhi.

3.The learned counsel appearing for the respondents 4 and 5 submitted that they have no objection for the petitioner’s brother writing Class XI Examinations in any neutral place as per the direction of this Court.

4.The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 and 2 vehemently disputed the allegations made by the petitioner as against the Institution and submitted that this Court may issue appropriate direction in the welfare of the student. 5.Considering the consensus view expressed on either side, this Court directs the respondents 1 and 2 to conduct Class XI Examinations for the petitioner’s brother namely, Umang Nidhi, in the office of the fifth respondent. Respondents 1 and 2 are further directed to communicate the examination dates to the petitioner’s brother so as to enable him to participate in the Examinations in the office of the fifth respondent. After completion of the Examinations, the respondents 1 and 2 are directed to issue Mark List, Transfer Certificate and Conduct Certificate to the petitioner, so as to enable the petitioner’s brother to join in any