The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court in response to the President of India’s decision to withhold assent to the Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill, 2021, legislation that aimed to exempt the State from the requirement of NEET for medical college admissions. The Bill, which the State Legislative Assembly passed unanimously, proposes a return to admissions based on Class XII marks supplemented by a “scientific normalisation” mechanism, rather than relying on the national entrance test.
In its petition, Tamil Nadu argues that the communication from the Governor’s Secretariat dated March 4, conveying that presidential assent was withheld, reflects a mechanical exercise of power based on the Union government’s advice, without any reasons being provided. The State claims to have submitted detailed responses to all objections raised by Union ministries but alleges that those were disregarded. According to the State, the decision to withhold assent has created a serious constitutional deadlock, raising fundamental questions around federalism, the autonomy of state legislatures, and the proper interpretation of Articles 201 and 254(2) of the Constitution.
The petition further points to systemic concerns with the NEET system itself, asserting that the examination has resulted in impersonation, leaks, and other irregularities in past years, and that a numerical score does not adequately capture the qualitative attributes essential for a medical professional. Tamil Nadu asserts that the Bill therefore departs from NEET in favor of a more equitable admissions framework.
In seeking relief, the State asks the Court to declare the President’s withholding of assent as unconstitutional and to set that decision aside. Alternatively, it prays for a declaration that the Bill should be treated as having received presidential assent under Article 254(2). In the further alternative, the State seeks a direction for the Bill to be placed again before the President for fresh consideration.
The petition raises broader issues of legislative independence, contending that the President’s action undermines the will of the State Assembly and disrupts the constitutional balance. It emphasizes that the withholding of assent, especially without reasons, is not merely a procedural misstep but a severe infringement on state rights and democratic governance.
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