Sankalp Charitable Trust vs. Union of India: Supreme Court Directs NEET Implementation

The Supreme Court of India, in its judgment dated April 28, 2016, ruled in favor of conducting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to MBBS and BDS courses nationwide. The case, Sankalp Charitable Trust & Anr. vs. Union of India & Others, addressed the legality and feasibility of NEET as a common entrance test for medical admissions.

Background of the Case

The petitioner, Sankalp Charitable Trust, filed a writ petition seeking the implementation of NEET as a single-window entrance test for medical admissions across India. The petition aimed to eliminate multiple entrance exams conducted by states and private institutions, ensuring uniformity and transparency in the admission process.

The petition specifically sought:

• A writ of mandamus directing the respondents to conduct NEET for MBBS admissions in the academic session 2016-17.
• A directive that no other entrance exams should be held for medical admissions.

Legal Issues

• Whether NEET should be implemented for medical admissions across India.
• Whether previous court orders barring NEET should be set aside.
• Whether private medical colleges and state universities should be bound by the common entrance test.

Arguments by the Petitioner

• The petitioner argued that multiple entrance exams created inconsistencies and unfair advantages for certain candidates.
• They contended that NEET, as a single national examination, would ensure a level playing field.
• The petitioner emphasized that NEET was legally notified by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the Dental Council of India (DCI) through notifications dated December 21, 2010.

Arguments by the Respondents

• The Union of India and CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) supported NEET and assured the Court of its feasibility.
• The respondents submitted a proposed schedule for conducting NEET in two phases—Phase I (AIPMT 2016) on May 1, 2016, and Phase II for left-out candidates on July 24, 2016.
• They provided details on result declaration (August 17, 2016) and counseling procedures.

Supreme Court’s Observations

The Supreme Court examined the legal validity of NEET and its impact on medical admissions. The Court made the following key observations:

• NEET was originally notified in 2010 but had been challenged in multiple legal proceedings.
• On April 11, 2016, the Supreme Court recalled its earlier judgment in Christian Medical College, Vellore vs. Union of India (2014) 2 SCC 305, which had set aside NEET.
• The recall of the previous judgment meant that the 2010 notifications of MCI and DCI were now in force.
• NEET would be conducted as planned, and any conflicting court orders would be overridden.

Supreme Court’s Ruling

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of NEET and issued the following directives:

• NEET would be conducted as a common entrance test for MBBS and BDS courses in 2016-17.
• AIPMT 2016 on May 1, 2016, would be treated as Phase I of NEET.
• Phase II of NEET would be conducted on July 24, 2016, for candidates unable to appear in Phase I.
• The combined result of both phases would be declared on August 17, 2016.
• All India Rank would be provided by CBSE, and counseling would be conducted based on NEET scores.
• All stakeholders, including state governments and private institutions, were directed to facilitate the smooth conduct of NEET.

Key Takeaways from the Judgment

• Nationwide Implementation of NEET: The ruling confirmed that NEET would be the sole entrance exam for medical admissions.
• Overruling of Previous Court Orders: Any conflicting legal orders preventing NEET’s implementation were rendered ineffective.
• Uniformity in Medical Admissions: The decision ensured that all medical aspirants would be assessed under a common standard.
• Judicial Endorsement of NEET: The Supreme Court upheld the MCI and DCI notifications, affirming the legality of NEET.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s ruling in Sankalp Charitable Trust vs. Union of India marked a significant moment in medical education in India. By mandating NEET, the Court reinforced the principles of transparency and fairness in medical admissions. The judgment ensured that all aspiring medical students would compete under a unified examination system, eliminating disparities caused by multiple entrance tests conducted by states and private institutions.

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Download Judgment: Sankalp Charitable T vs Union of India & Oth Supreme Court of India Judgment Dated 28-04-2016-1741854716844.pdf