In a landmark decision on January 29, 2025, the Supreme Court of India declared domicile-based reservations in postgraduate (PG) medical courses unconstitutional, citing violations of Article 14 of the Constitution. This ruling mandates that state quota seats in PG medical admissions be filled solely based on merit as determined by the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
Key Highlights of the Judgment:
- Violation of Article 14: The bench, comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy, Sudhanshu Dhulia, and SVN Bhatti, emphasized that residence-based reservations in PG medical courses contravene the constitutional guarantee of equality. Justice Dhulia remarked, “We are all domiciles in the territory of India. There is nothing like a provincial or state domicile. There is only one domicile. We are all residents of India.”
- Merit-Based Admissions: The court directed that state quota seats should be allocated based on NEET scores, ensuring a uniform and meritocratic approach to PG medical admissions. This decision aligns with previous judgments, including Pradeep Jain and Saurabh Chandra cases, which upheld the principle of merit-based admissions.
- Impact on Current Students: The ruling does not affect students currently enrolled in PG medical courses under domicile-based reservations or those who have completed their studies. The court clarified that the judgment applies only to future admissions.
Implications of the Ruling:
This judgment marks a significant shift in India’s medical education landscape, reinforcing the commitment to meritocracy and equality. By eliminating domicile-based reservations in PG medical courses, the Supreme Court aims to ensure that admissions are based on individual merit, thereby promoting a more equitable and efficient healthcare system.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s decision underscores the importance of merit-based admissions in maintaining the integrity and quality of medical education in India. As the nation moves forward, this ruling is expected to influence policies across various states, fostering a more inclusive and competitive environment for aspiring medical professionals.