SC Allows NEET PG Counseling, Says 2019 Criteria Of 27% OBC Quota To Be Followed

New Delhi: In a major sigh of relief to the NEET qualifiers, the Supreme Court on Friday allowed counselling for both PG and UG courses. The apex court also upheld the existing reservation norms, allowing 27 per cent Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota.

Earlier, the Centre had decided to review the existing criteria for determination of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota. Following this, a plea was filed in the apex court against the Centre’s decision. This delayed the counselling process for post-graduate courses.

Resident doctors of various hospitals across the country had staged protests against the delay in the counselling session.

According to a report in the Hindustan Times, while hearing the matter—a special bench led by Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice AS Bopanna—said for this year the reservation criteria laid down in January 2019 will be followed.

For EWS category, 10 per cent reservation will apply this year and the prospective ruling will be decided on a final hearing on March 3, 2022, the NDTV reported.

Notably, the apex court had agreed to hear the plea on the Centre’s urgent request. Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta had sought an urgent listing following the nationwide protests by doctors. The consent was given by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana.