Supreme Court Rules Domicile-Based Reservation in PG Medical Courses Unconstitutional

The Supreme Court of India has delivered a significant ruling that has major implications for the future of medical admissions in the country. In a landmark judgment, the court struck down domicile-based reservation in post-graduate (PG) medical courses under the state quota, asserting it infringes upon the Right to Equality guaranteed under Article 14 of the Constitution.

Key Points of the SC Judgment

The judgment, delivered by a bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy, Sudhanshu Dhulia, and S V N Bhatti, was based on the principle that domicile-based reservations violate the fundamental equality of citizens.

Violation of Article 14

The court emphasized that domicile-based reservation in PG medical admissions contradicts Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law. The ruling affirmatively stated that such practices are unconstitutional.

Right to Reside and Practice Anywhere

Justice Dhulia highlighted that all Indian citizens have a single domicile—India itself—and have the right to reside anywhere in the country, practice any profession, and seek educational opportunities without restrictions. This central tenet of national unity and citizenship equality was stressed in the judgment.

Reservations Limited to Undergraduate Courses

While some degree of domicile-based reservation might be permissible in undergraduate medical courses following the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET) for Undergraduate (NEET UG), the court made it clear that such reservations should not extend to PG medical courses. The judges contended that such reservations could undermine the quality of education and healthcare in India.

Existing Reservations Remain Intact

The ruling will not affect domicile-based reservations already granted for PG medical admissions prior to the judgment. Existing policies and practices will continue to apply, ensuring continuity in the implementation of reservation quotas.

Background of the Judgment

The judgment was in response to a reference made by a two-judge bench in 2019. The original appeal arose from a challenge to a decision by the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding PG medical admissions at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chandigarh against the NEET PG.

Impact of the Ruling

This ruling will significantly affect aspiring medical students seeking admission to PG courses. The decision clarifies that state quotas are not applicable to PG medical courses, promoting equality and national unity in the admission process.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s judgment marks a shift in the approach to state quotas in medical education, emphasizing the principles of equality and unity. As India continues to navigate the complexities of its education system, this ruling sets a crucial precedent for fair and equitable access to higher education.

We invite our readers to share their thoughts on this significant judgment. Do you believe this ruling will benefit medical education in the long run? Leave your comments below and help us shape the conversation.

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