In a significant relief to a differently-abled law student, the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University to waive tuition and special fees and allow the student to continue his LL.B. course without interruption. The court held that welfare benefits for persons with disabilities cannot be denied on technical grounds and must be viewed as part of their fundamental rights.
The ruling came in a writ petition filed by a student who was earlier barred from attending classes and examinations due to non-payment of fees.
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Background of the Case
The petitioner, Gokula Krishnan B, was admitted to the three-year LL.B. (Hons.) course at the School of Excellence in Law under the Backward Class category. At the time of admission, his disability was assessed at 10%, which did not qualify him for benefits under the Persons with Disabilities quota.
However, during the course of his studies, his condition worsened and a fresh disability certificate assessed him with 40% disability. Despite this, the university insisted on payment of fees for the second year and did not permit him to attend classes or appear for examinations.
The student, belonging to a poor farming family from Udumalpet, approached the High Court after being prevented from writing exams. He also highlighted that he was undergoing treatment at the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital for mental illness.
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Arguments Before the Court
The petitioner’s counsel argued that the university’s prospectus provides for fee waiver for differently-abled students and that denying the benefit violated the spirit of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Reliance was placed on earlier Supreme Court rulings emphasizing equal access to education for persons with disabilities.
On the other hand, the university submitted that fee waivers were applicable only to students admitted under the disability quota, which was already filled. Since the petitioner had been admitted under the BC category, the benefit could not be extended retrospectively.
Court’s Observation
Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy took a humanitarian and rights-based view of the matter. The court noted that although free education is mandatory only up to school level, higher education institutions are expected to extend welfare measures in line with the spirit of disability rights law.
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“The benefits extended to persons with disabilities are not privileges but rights,” the court observed, referring to earlier Supreme Court judgments.
The judge also emphasized that welfare schemes should not be applied mechanically and that students with disabilities deserve both reservation and supportive measures to ensure equal opportunity.
The court took note of the petitioner’s medical condition, his financial background, and the fact that he continued attending classes despite hardship. It also appreciated the role played by doctors treating him and the efforts of the legal aid counsel.
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Final Decision of the Court
Allowing the writ petition, the Madras High Court passed the following directions:
- The petitioner is entitled to fee waiver for the second year and future years, as long as his disability remains at or above 40%.
- His attendance shall be treated as valid, and the university must declare his examination results.
- He shall be permitted to continue the LL.B. course without interruption.
- The petitioner must continue medical treatment at the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital.
- The treating psychiatrist may coordinate with the law college to ensure the student’s well-being.
- The court appreciated the empathetic approach of the faculty and the assistance of the legal aid counsel.
- No costs were imposed.
With these directions, the writ petition was disposed of, bringing relief to the student and reinforcing the principle that access to education for persons with disabilities must be protected in letter and spirit.
Case Title: Gokula Krishnan B v. The Registrar & Others
Case No.: W.P. No. 41497 of 2025
Decision Date: 08 January 2026
