Summary: The Madras High Court decided that Chettinad Academy needs to get the required environmental approvals before they can get the go-ahead for a new medical college. Just having conditional certificates isn't enough.
Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, located in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, wanted to open a new medical college. They bought a property from PRIST Trust in July 2024, which had previously operated a medical college. However, PRIST Trust's Essentiality Certificate (EC) was no longer valid since they stopped operations in 2019.
Chettinad applied to the National Medical Commission (NMC) on January 7, 2025, to enroll 150 students for the 2025-26 school year. They needed a new EC because the old one was in PRIST's name. Despite providing the needed paperwork, their application was turned down on July 8, 2025.
On October 9, 2025, the Tamil Nadu government asked Chettinad to provide an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) and a Pollution Control Board Certificate. These were necessary before the EC could be given.
"The rules of NMC require certain standards... Pollution Control Board Certificate and environmental impact assessment certificate are two important documents."
Justice N. Anand Venkatesh stated on December 3, 2025, that conditional ECs are not acceptable. The court stressed that all legal requirements must be fulfilled before granting an EC.
"A conditional EC is not an EC in the eye of law."
The court rejected Chettinad's request and instructed them to get the necessary approvals. The NMC will only consider applications for the 2026-27 school year once these conditions are met.
This case shows how important it is for schools to meet all legal requirements. The decision ensures that rules are followed fairly and consistently, preventing any unfair treatment in the process.
