The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has sought a modification of the Madras high court order directing it to release appointment orders for group two candidates, as conditional pending an inquiry by the directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC).

In December, the high court had directed TNPSC to release the appointment orders within six weeks, which comes to an end on February 6.

However, TNPSC has sought that the orders be released pending DVAC inquiry, which means that if the candidate is found to have indulged in any malpractice, the person could be disqualified.

TNPSC’s prayer is coming up for hearing on February 6, sources say. “If the modification is allowed, the appointment orders could be released the same day,” they sources. As many as 1,628 people have cleared the group two exam and are waiting for appointment orders, sources say.

The release of results and orders for various exams of TNPSC were withheld after it was alleged that the TNPSC’s former chairperson, Chellamuthu, and other members had indulged in irregularities in conducting examinations and issuing orders.

On January 13, DVAC had conducted raids on the premises of 73 TNPSC candidates across the state, including those who have appeared for group two exams. It was the fourth statewide crackdown after the DVAC conducted raids on the premises of Chellamuthu and other members.