CHENNAI: “Considering the extreme medical condition” of a BEd student – who could not continue the practical training due to pregnancy-related issues and fell short of the required attendance – the Madras High Court has directed the authorities concerned of the higher education department to allow her to take the practical examination.
The order was passed by Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy on a petition filed by the student, who was denied permission by the principal to take the practical examination, citing the attendance shortage.
As per the petition, the woman, S Uzma Farheen, has been pursuing BEd at the government-run Institute of Advanced Study in Education at Saidapet in Chennai. She had to undergo practical training at a school from August 20, 2025, to December 23, 2025, for 78 days, but she could not complete the training due to termination of pregnancy and related complications. Since she was advised complete bed rest, she could not continue the practical training and fell short of attendance (by 32 days).
The counsel for the respondent authorities submitted that 90% attendance has to be secured to take the examination as per the mandate of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), which shall also be added as a respondent in the case.
Upon hearing both sides, Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy said NCTE cannot be added as respondent given the urgency of the case.
He noted that the petitioner is a meritorious student with 86% aggregate marks, and the medical records show the health issues she suffered.
“Thus considering the disadvantage of a woman candidate arising out of the need for managing motherhood as well as her career and considering the judgment in Vandana Kandari case, I am of the view that in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, considering the extreme medical conditions, this is a fit case where the court can exercise the discretion by directing the respondents instead of stopping the petitioner from writing the exam, she shall appear for it and after completion of the exam, she shall complete the remaining days of the training,” he said in the order passed recently.
NCTE shall condone this irregularity of undergoing the part of remaining practical training after taking the practical exam, he stated. The judge quashed the impugned order of the principal dated January 13 and ordered the respondent authorities to permit the petitioner to take the practical exam.