Court rules exclusion of children of private sector employees from State Quota eligibility as constitutional, citing consistency with Supreme Court precedents.
In a significant ruling, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has upheld the exclusion of students educated outside the state due to their parents' private sector employment from eligibility under the State Quota for medical admissions. The judgment, delivered by Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, addressed a series of petitions filed by students who claimed the exclusion was arbitrary and discriminatory.
The court's decision was primarily influenced by a precedent set by the Supreme Court in the case of Rajdeep Ghosh v. State of Assam, where a similar exclusion was upheld as rational and aligned with the objectives of educational rules. The Himachal Pradesh High Court found the classification to be neither arbitrary nor unconstitutional, asserting that such provisions aim to prioritize candidates who are more likely to serve the state in the future.
The petitioners, all Bonafide Himachali or children of Bonafide Himachali, were disqualified from the State Quota because they had not completed at least two key educational examinations within Himachal Pradesh. Their exclusion was contrasted with exceptions carved out for children of certain government employees, who are allowed to compete for State Quota seats despite studying outside the state.
The court acknowledged that frequent changes in eligibility criteria could negatively impact students, advocating for a more consistent policy from the state and university authorities. However, it emphasized that the current exclusion does not violate constitutional principles.
The judgment concludes a series of legal challenges that began with an initial favorable ruling for the petitioners, which was later overturned on appeal, leading to a fresh hearing. The decision underscores the judiciary's deference to state policies designed to serve local populations and maintain educational standards.
Bottom Line:
NEET Admission - Exclusion of students educated outside the state of Himachal Pradesh due to parents' private sector employment from State Quota eligibility is not arbitrary, discriminatory, or unconstitutional under the prospectus of academic session 2025-26.
Statutory provision(s): NEET Admission, State Quota eligibility, Rajdeep Ghosh v. State of Assam ruling, Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
Aarav Potan v. State of Himachal Pradesh, (Himachal Pradesh) : Law Finder Doc id # 2827753
