Chennai: The Madras High Court has issued interim stay to the Tamil Nadu government's directive that deemed National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) certificates ineligible for state government employment.
Students Vishnu and Santosh from Villupuram petitioned against the order, highlighting its adverse effects on those engaged in extracurricular activities who rely on NIOS for flexible education.
They argued that NIOS, approved by the Central Government, offers a curriculum equivalent to regular schooling and prepares students for state public service exams.
The students criticized the December order from the Department of School Education, which invalidated NIOS certificates without prior consultation, disrupting their educational and career prospects.
Senior advocate V. Raghavachari, representing the petitioners, emphasized the infringement on their fundamental rights.
Justice G.R. Swaminathan ordered the Tamil Nadu government to respond to the petition and stayed the enforcement of the contentious order.