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Delhi High Court Seeks to Protect NEET PG Seats for PwD Candidates

Delhi High Court seeks to protect NEET PG seats for PwD candidates, ensuring reserved seat availability and challenging conversion into the general category. Check More Details here.
authorImagePriyanka Agarwal3 Jan, 2025
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Delhi High Court Seeks to Protect NEET PG Seats for PwD Candidates

Delhi High Court Seeks to Protect NEET PG Seats for PwD Candidates : A significant legal development has emerged in the NEET PG counselling process, as Saket Agrawal from Nagpur, along with eight other PwD candidates, has approached the Delhi High Court to challenge the conversion of reserved PwD seats into general category seats during the third round of counselling. The petitioners seek judicial intervention to ensure that these seats remain reserved until the stray vacancy round of counselling, citing concerns that the unfilled seats will be converted, thus depriving eligible PwD candidates of opportunities. The court has issued notices to the Union of India and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and directed urgent hearings. The petitioners are also concerned about the government's stance on relaxing minimum percentile criteria for the session. The case emphasizes the need for fair opportunities and the protection of reserved seats for PwD candidates in the NEET PG process, with broader implications for accessibility and fairness in medical education admissions.

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Background of the Petition

The petition was filed through legal representatives Rohit Singh and Mahendra Kumavat , challenging the conversion of reserved seats for PwD candidates into general category seats. The petitioners have requested that these reserved seats remain available until the stray vacancy round of counselling. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav has issued a notice to the relevant respondents, including the Union of India and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) .

Urgency and Court Proceedings

Recognizing the urgency expressed by the petitioners, who argued that unfilled seats would be converted to general category seats if not occupied, the court directed that this case be listed before the vacation bench on December 30, 2024 . The respondents were instructed to file their replies before the next hearing date. The petitioners highlighted concerns regarding the central government's decision not to relax the minimum percentile criteria for this academic session.

Concerns Raised by Petitioners

With the third round of counselling scheduled to commence on December 26, 2024 , the petitioners fear that any relaxation in minimum percentile criteria announced after this round would not benefit PwD candidates. If reserved seats remain vacant, they will be converted into general category seats, effectively eliminating opportunities for eligible PwD candidates.The petitioners emphasized that despite a significant number of vacant NEET PG seats in this academic session, the central government has yet to announce any relaxation of the minimum percentile criteria required for eligibility. They are concerned that if the government decides to lower these criteria after the third round, they may miss out on potential opportunities since unoccupied PwD seats could already be reallocated as general category seats by then.

Implications of Seat Conversion

The implications of converting reserved PwD seats into general category seats are profound. If this conversion occurs, it could lead to a loss of opportunities for deserving candidates who require these reservations due to their disabilities. The petitioners argue that maintaining these reserved seats until all counselling rounds are completed is essential for ensuring equitable access to medical education for all candidates.

Status Update on NEET PG Counselling

As of now, there remains a considerable number of vacant NEET PG seats in this academic session. However, the central government has not yet provided any indication of relaxing the minimum percentile criteria necessary for eligibility. This situation raises critical questions about how reserved seats for PwD candidates will be managed and whether timely policy changes will be implemented. The ongoing legal battle highlights significant issues surrounding accessibility and fairness in medical education admissions in India. The Delhi High Court's response to this petition could set a precedent for how reserved seats are treated in future counselling processes. As stakeholders await further developments, it is crucial for authorities to consider the implications of their policies on vulnerable populations and ensure that all candidates have a fair chance at securing their places in medical programs.The outcome of this case will not only affect Saket Agrawal and his fellow petitioners but also shape the landscape of NEET PG admissions for years to come. As such, it is imperative that all parties involved act swiftly and judiciously to uphold the rights and opportunities available to persons with disabilities in higher education.

Delhi High Court Seeks to Protect NEET PG Seats for PwD Candidates FAQs

What is the issue raised by the PwD students in the Delhi High Court?

The PwD students are challenging the conversion of reserved seats for PwD candidates into general category seats during the NEET PG Counselling process. They want these seats to remain available until the stray vacancy round.

Why are the petitioners concerned about the conversion of reserved PwD seats?

The petitioners fear that if PwD seats remain vacant, they will be converted into general category seats, depriving deserving candidates with disabilities of their rightful opportunities.

What is the significance of relaxing the minimum percentile criteria?

The petitioners argue that without a relaxation in the minimum percentile criteria, many PwD candidates may miss out on opportunities, as vacant reserved seats would be reallocated to general category candidates.

What has the Delhi High Court instructed in this case?

The court has issued a notice to the relevant respondents and has listed the case for hearing on December 30, 2024, urging the respondents to file their replies regarding the petitioner's concerns

How could the outcome of this case impact future NEET PG counselling?

The outcome could set a precedent for how reserved seats for PwD candidates are handled in future NEET PG counselling rounds, ensuring fair and equitable access to medical education for all students.
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