Case Note & Summary
The Supreme Court addressed a group of writ petitions and special leave petitions concerning the admissions for NEET-PG-2021. The petitioners, including Dr. Astha Goel and others, sought directions for a Special Stray Round of counselling to fill 1456 vacant seats after multiple rounds of counselling. The NEET-PG examination had 40,000 seats available, with an initial eligibility of 92,000 candidates, later increased by 25,000. The counselling process was modified to include four rounds, but despite this, many seats, particularly in non-clinical courses, remained vacant. The petitioners argued that the remaining seats should be filled to prevent wastage and allow candidates to gain admission. The Union of India and the Medical Counselling Committee opposed the petitions, stating that the seats were often non-takers and that conducting further rounds would disrupt the admission schedule for NEET-PG-2022. The court noted that the admission process must adhere to a strict timeline to maintain the quality of medical education and public health. Citing previous judgments, the court emphasized that merely having vacant seats does not justify additional counselling rounds. Ultimately, the court dismissed the petitions, ruling that the decision not to conduct a Special Stray Round was not arbitrary and was in the interest of public health and medical education.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Writ of Mandamus - Relief for Special Stray Round of Counselling - Article 32 of the Constitution of India - Petitioners sought a writ to conduct a Special Stray Round for vacant NEET-PG-2021 seats, arguing that 1456 seats remained unfilled after multiple counselling rounds. The court held that conducting further counselling would compromise medical education and public health, thus denying the relief sought (Paras 11-12).
Issue of Consideration
Whether to direct the respondents to conduct a Special Stray Round of counselling for vacant NEET-PG-2021 seats.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court dismissed the writ petitions and special leave petitions, ruling that conducting a Special Stray Round of counselling would compromise medical education and public health. The court emphasized adherence to the established admission schedule.
Law Points
- Writ of Mandamus
- NEET-PG admissions
- counselling rounds
- public health
- medical education
