Supreme Court Ruling on NEET-PG Counselling: Clarifications and Deadline Extensions
The case of Rachit Sinha & Ors. vs. Union of India & Ors. involves significant clarifications regarding the medical counselling process for admission to postgraduate medical courses in India. The Supreme Court was called upon to decide on the unfilled All India Quota (AIQ) seats and the timeline for State and Deemed University Counselling.
The ruling, delivered on May 11, 2018, clarified its earlier decision dated May 3, 2018, particularly with respect to the transfer of unfilled AIQ seats to states and the extension of time for counselling. The case also examined whether deemed universities and central institutions were entitled to receive reverted AIQ seats.
Background of the Case
The dispute arose over the process of admission to postgraduate medical courses through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-PG). As per the regulations set by the Medical Council of India (MCI), 50% of the seats were allotted under the All India Quota (AIQ), while the remaining 50% were reserved for state quotas.
The key concerns raised before the Supreme Court included:
- Whether unfilled AIQ seats should be transferred to states: The petitioners contended that unfilled seats should revert to states rather than remaining with central institutions.
- Whether deemed and central institutions were entitled to receive reverted seats: A misinterpretation of the earlier order led to confusion regarding whether deemed and central institutions would receive unfilled AIQ seats.
- Time extension for Madhya Pradesh State Counselling: Due to logistical delays, the state sought an extension for completing its second round of counselling.
Arguments by the Petitioners
The petitioners, led by Rachit Sinha, argued that:
- AIQ seats should revert only to state quota: The AIQ seats that remained unfilled after the second round of counselling should be transferred to state quotas.
- Deemed universities and central institutions should not be included: The Supreme Court’s earlier order mistakenly included deemed and central institutions in the reversion process.
- Fairness in admissions: Allowing deemed institutions to participate in the reversion process would disrupt the fairness of the state quota system.
Arguments by the Respondents (Union of India & MCI)
The respondents countered with the following points:
- The earlier order was misinterpreted: The direction to transfer AIQ seats did not apply to deemed and central institutions.
- States had full control over reverted seats: AIQ seats that remained vacant should indeed revert to state authorities.
- Madhya Pradesh required additional time: Due to a large number of vacant seats, the state needed an extension to complete counselling.
Supreme Court’s Observations
The Supreme Court, led by Justice S.A. Bobde and Justice L. Nageswara Rao, reviewed the matter and issued two major clarifications:
1. Correction Regarding Deemed and Central Institutions
The Court acknowledged that its earlier order had mistakenly included deemed and central institutions in the reversion process. It stated:
“By mistake, we directed the deemed/central institutions shall also conduct the second round of counselling. There is no reversion of seats to the deemed/central institutions. The words ‘and deemed/central institutions’ in para 9 of order dated 03.05.2018 stand deleted.”
This meant that only state authorities would receive unfilled AIQ seats, and deemed or central institutions would not benefit from such reversions.
2. Extension of Counselling Timeline for Madhya Pradesh
The Court considered the challenges faced by Madhya Pradesh in filling unallocated seats and granted an extension:
- The second round of state counselling was extended to May 15, 2018.
- The mop-up round was extended to May 19, 2018.
The Court stated:
“In view of the peculiar circumstances, we extend the time for completion of the second round of State Counselling in Madhya Pradesh till 15.05.2018 and the mop-up round till 19.05.2018.”
Final Judgment
The Supreme Court ruled:
- Unfilled AIQ seats should revert only to state authorities, not deemed or central institutions.
- Madhya Pradesh was granted an extension to complete its counselling process.
- Applications requesting modifications were dismissed.
The Court concluded:
“The applications for directions are dismissed.”
Implications of the Judgment
This ruling clarified and streamlined the NEET-PG counselling process:
- Ensured fairness in medical admissions: The decision prevented deemed universities from gaining an unfair advantage in seat allocations.
- Helped states manage their quotas effectively: By restricting AIQ reversions to states, the judgment reinforced the autonomy of state counselling processes.
- Recognized logistical challenges: The Court’s decision to extend deadlines for Madhya Pradesh reflected a practical approach to administrative hurdles.
Overall, this ruling strengthened transparency in medical admissions and upheld the principles of fairness and equity in postgraduate medical seat allotment.
Petitioner Name: Rachit Sinha & Ors..Respondent Name: Union of India & Ors..Judgment By: Justice S.A. Bobde, Justice L. Nageswara Rao.Place Of Incident: India (NEET-PG Admissions).Judgment Date: 11-05-2018.
Don’t miss out on the full details! Download the complete judgment in PDF format below and gain valuable insights instantly!
Download Judgment: Rachit Sinha & Ors. vs Union of India & Ors Supreme Court of India Judgment Dated 11-05-2018.pdf
Direct Downlaod Judgment: Direct downlaod this Judgment
See all petitions in Education Related Cases
See all petitions in Recruitment Policies
See all petitions in Public Interest Litigation
See all petitions in Judgment by S. A. Bobde
See all petitions in Judgment by L. Nageswara Rao
See all petitions in partially allowed
See all petitions in Modified
See all petitions in supreme court of India judgments May 2018
See all petitions in 2018 judgments
See all posts in Service Matters Category
See all allowed petitions in Service Matters Category
See all Dismissed petitions in Service Matters Category
See all partially allowed petitions in Service Matters Category
