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The Supreme Court of India delivered a significant verdict on Tuesday, dismissing the appeal filed by the Punjab government challenging a decision by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The high court had annulled the government's attempt to expand the definition of the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota for undergraduate medical admissions. The Supreme Court's judgment effectively upholds the high court's ruling and reinforces the importance of maintaining fairness and integrity in the education system.
The Punjab government's controversial notification, issued on August 20, sought to broaden the NRI quota by including distant relatives of NRIs, such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins. This move sparked widespread criticism and legal challenges, with many arguing that it would undermine the merit-based selection process and create an unfair advantage for those with connections to NRIs. The high court, in its September 10 order, deemed the government's attempt to expand the NRI quota as illegal and invalid, upholding the existing definition that restricts the quota to immediate family members of NRIs.
In a scathing judgment, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, leading a three-judge bench, condemned the Punjab government's initiative as a “complete fraud” and described it as a “money-spinning machine.” He emphasized the need to abolish the NRI quota system altogether, stating, “We must stop this NRI quota business now.” The Chief Justice's strong words highlight the potential for abuse and exploitation within the NRI quota system, emphasizing the need for a more transparent and equitable approach to medical admissions.
The Supreme Court's ruling has far-reaching implications for the education system in India. It sends a clear message that the courts will not tolerate attempts to manipulate admissions processes for personal gain. The decision also emphasizes the importance of meritocracy and the need to ensure that all deserving candidates have equal access to higher education. The judgment serves as a reminder to state governments that their policies must comply with the principles of fairness and justice, particularly when it comes to sensitive areas like medical admissions.
Source: 'Complete fraud': SC dismisses Punjab govt's appeal on NRI quota expansion for medical admissions