: The Madras High Court on Wednesday directed the State government to take a decision on providing reservation for children of retired paramilitary personnel in admissions to professional courses for the academic year 2017-18.
The First Bench of Chief Justice S.K. Kaul and Justice M. Sundar passed the order on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition moved by P. Santhakumar, a retired head constable of the Border Security Force (BSF).
According to the petitioner, wards of retired personnel from paramilitary forces like the BSF, the Central Reserve Police Force, the Central Industrial Security Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police are not considered as part of the reserved category insofar as admission to professional educational institutions are concerned.
Pointing out that the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has already issued a communication dated November 23, 2012, stating that the State governments may extend suitable benefits as provided to the ex-service personnel of army to the retired personnel of paramilitary forces, the petitioner said that there has been no response from the State despite multiple representations made by the petitioner.
The petitioner wanted the court to direct the authorities to at least decide on his representation for admission to the academic year 2017-18. Considering the submission, the Bench directed the Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, to take necessary decision in pursuance of the communication of the Central government in connection with the reservation issue.
The Bench made it clear while disposing of the PIL that the decision should be made immediately so that the benefit could be availed for the academic year 2017-18.
