SC Delivers Blow to Punjab Govt: NRI Quota Admissions for Relatives in MBBS Declared Extortionate
CJI labeled the practice as merely a scheme for financial gain orchestrated by the state.
The Punjab government has faced a significant setback from the Supreme Court regarding the admission process for MBBS programs under the NRI quota. The court has declined to entertain the government's petition, upholding the decision made by the Punjab and Haryana High Court that prohibits relatives from securing admissions via this quota. The Supreme Court characterized this practice as a form of extortion.
Other States Implement Similar Systems
During the proceedings, the Punjab government’s legal representative pointed out that states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh adopt a more expansive interpretation of NRI quota admissions. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud responded critically, questioning the rationale of considering close relatives of NRIs for admissions. He labeled the practice as merely a scheme for financial gain orchestrated by the state.
Court Rejects Support for the NRI Quota
The bench, which included Justice JB Pardiwala, echoed the sentiments of the Chief Justice in endorsing the high court's ruling. Justice Chandrachud emphasized the need to put an end to what he termed the "NRI quota business," asserting that it undermines the integrity of the education system.Â
He highlighted the troubling outcomes where candidates with significantly higher scores were denied admission. Justice Pardiwala added that since all applicants are citizens of India, it is unreasonable to classify relatives such as uncles and aunts as deserving candidates under this quota. He affirmed that the court could not endorse practices that are "clearly illegal."