In a recent legal development, the Rajasthan High Court has addressed concerns surrounding the third round of counselling for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate courses (NEET-PG) 2024. Presided over by Justice Sameer Jain, the court issued notices to the Director of Public Health, Medical and Health Services, Rajasthan, and the Chairman of the NEET-PG Admission/Counselling Board. This action responds to a writ petition filed by NEET-PG 2024 candidates challenging specific provisions in the state's counselling process.
Petitioners' Grievances
The crux of the petitioners' argument centers on Clause 2(ii) of the Instruction Booklet for State Medical PG Seats. This clause stipulates that any seats remaining vacant after the third round of counselling shall be filled in the stray round without applying state eligibility criteria, effectively opening these seats to all NEET-PG 2024 qualified candidates, irrespective of their state of domicile. The petitioners contend that this provision violates Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law, protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech, and protection of life and personal liberty, respectively.
The candidates argue that, as a result of this clause, meritorious students who would have secured a seat in the third round are either deprived of the opportunity or compelled to pay exorbitant fees for the same. They further assert that allocating these vacant seats in the stray round to candidates with lower ranks creates a disparity, undermining the merit-based selection process. Notably, the petitioners highlight that no other state has incorporated such a clause in their counselling procedures, suggesting an arbitrary deviation by Rajasthan's counselling authorities.
Court's Response
Taking cognizance of the issues raised, Justice Jain's bench issued notices to the concerned authorities, seeking their responses to the allegations. The court has scheduled the next hearing for February 15, 2025, to deliberate further on the matter. This judicial intervention underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness in the medical admission process, ensuring that merit remains the primary criterion for seat allocation.
Implications
This case brings to the forefront the critical balance between state policies and constitutional mandates. The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for future counselling procedures, not only in Rajasthan but potentially influencing policies in other states as well. A ruling in favor of the petitioners may prompt a reevaluation of existing guidelines to align more closely with constitutional principles, thereby safeguarding the interests of meritorious candidates nationwide.
As the situation develops, stakeholders, including prospective students and educational institutions, are advised to stay informed about the proceedings, as the court's decision could impact admission processes and policies in the upcoming academic sessions.
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