In a significant development, the Jabalpur Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the State's Department of Medical Education to promptly conduct fresh counselling for vacant NRI (Non-Resident Indian) quota seats in the NEET-PG 2024 counselling process. This directive comes following the court's decision to vacate its earlier interim order from December 18, 2024, and dismiss a plea that challenged the procedure for filling these seats.
Background of the Case
The petitioner, having successfully cleared the All India NEET-PG 2024 examination, raised concerns regarding the seat allocation process. When the portal for seat selection in PG courses was opened, the seat matrix for private medical colleges was published on November 22, 2024. Contrary to the provisions of Rule 5 of the Madhya Pradesh Chikitsa Shiksha Pravesh Rules 2018, which allows candidates to raise objections, the authorities immediately initiated the choice filling and locking procedure from November 23 to 25, 2024, without providing an opportunity for objections.
Petitioner's Contentions
The petitioner contended that the authorities violated the reservation policy by limiting the NRI quota seats to only 8 out of 22 branches in private medical colleges. This selective application of the 15% NRI quota resulted in a disproportionate increase in seats for NRI candidates in these branches, consequently reducing the availability of seats for both reserved and unreserved category students in the same specialties.
Court's Observations
The division bench, comprising Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice Anuradha Shukla, found the criteria formulated by the State Government for seat allotment to be fair and reasonable. The court noted that, in the absence of any challenge to the relevant rules, it could not interfere with the allotment of seats under the 15% NRI quota by private medical colleges within its jurisdiction under Article 226.
Directive for Fresh Counselling
Emphasizing the importance of ensuring that valuable medical seats do not go unutilized, especially amid a national shortage of doctors, the court referenced the Supreme Court's decision in Era Lucknow Medical College and Hospital vs. State of Uttar Pradesh and others (W.P.(C). No.833/2024, decided on December 20, 2024). In alignment with this precedent, the High Court directed the authorities to conduct immediate counselling for the vacant NRI quota seats. The court instructed the respondents to hold fresh stray or special counselling sessions for any remaining vacant seats and to complete the admission process without delay.
Implications of the Order
This directive underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding fairness in the medical admission process and ensuring that all available seats are allocated efficiently. By mandating fresh counselling, the court aims to rectify procedural lapses and provide deserving candidates with equitable opportunities, thereby contributing to addressing the broader issue of doctor shortages in the country.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision serves as a reminder of the critical need for transparency and adherence to established rules in the allocation of medical seats, ensuring that the process remains just and beneficial to all stakeholders involved.
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