Supreme Court Delivers Landmark Verdict on PG Medical Seats
The Supreme Court has issued a crucial verdict today regarding postgraduate (PG) medical seats, ruling that state quotas will no longer be applicable. The court clarified that the previously existing 50% local quota in PG medical seats is no longer valid. It has directed that state quota seats must now be filled based on NEET merit. Additionally, the Supreme Court has held that residence-based reservations in state quotas are unconstitutional.
Citing Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, the court explained that residence-based reservations are not legally valid. The three-judge bench comprising Justice Hrishikesh Roy, Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, and Justice SVN Bhatti delivered this judgment.
“We all reside within the territory of India. Not only do we have the right to live anywhere in the country, but we also have the right to conduct business or pursue any profession freely. This right extends to securing admissions in educational institutions across India,” stated Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia. He further emphasized that merit at the PG level cannot be compromised. However, the bench clarified that this ruling will not impact admissions that have already been granted.
The Supreme Court delivered this verdict while hearing a petition challenging a Punjab and Haryana High Court order that had allocated 64 PG medical seats at Chandigarh Medical College to candidates from union territories or those who had completed their MBBS from the same institution. The Supreme Court deemed such a reservation unconstitutional, stating that it violates the right to equality.
