KEAM Admission Prospectus Should Specifically Mention Mandatory Submission of NEET Scorecard: Kerala HC

Ernakulam: In a recent order, the Kerala High Court has directed the Commissioner of Entrance Exam (CEE), the State Government and the Central Governments to make specific mention in the prospectus about the mandatory submission of National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) scorecard for getting admitted via Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) entrance examination.

The HC bench comprising Justice P.V. Kunhikrishnan was considering a plea challenging this rule of mandatory submission of the NEET scorecard. When the petitioner's name was not included in the final category list of KEAM 2023 for not submitting the scorecard, the rule was challenged on the ground that in the absence of any stipulation in the prospectus about the mandatory submission of NEET scorecard within the prescribed time limit, the non-inclusion of the petitioner’s name in the final category list of KEAM 2023 is illegal.

However, while considering the plea, the HC bench observed that it was not proper for the Court to interfere in the ongoing admission process and noted, "It is true that there is some grievance from the side of the petitioner. But when an admission process is going on, it is not proper on the part of this Court to interfere in the admission process. I see no reason to interfere with Ext.P13 order. Therefore, this writ petition fails and accordingly dismissed."

Although the HC bench denied to interfere with the admission process, it asked the authorities to make specific mention in this regard in the future and mentioned, "But I make it clear that respondents shall make specific mention in the prospectus in future regarding the uploading of NEET score card also."

Earlier, the petitioner had approached the HC bench and while considering the matter, the Court had directed the CEE to consider the matter and pass appropriate orders within a week from the date of receipt of the copy of the HC order.

CEE considered the matter and rejected the plea of the petitioner to seeking inclusion of her name in the existing rank list on the ground that since the first phase of allotment for MBBS/BDS admission had already been published, llowing of submission of the NEET score afresh cannot be considered as it causes changes in the published rank list and will disrupt the allotment process, which will cause hardship to all the candidates taking part in the process.

Further, the authority argued that the same will also result in noncompliance with the counseling schedule which has been published by National Medical Commission (NMC), according to which, the admission process needs to be concluded within September 30, 2023.

This decision of CEE was challenged before the HC bench and while considering the matter, the HC bench opined that since the admission process was ongoing, it would not be proper to interfere in the same.

However, the bench directed the authorities to ensure about specific mention about the mandatory submission of NEET scorecard in the prospectus in the future.

To view the HC order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/kerala-hc-keam-2023-218041.pdf

Also Read: Hospital cannot claim tax exemption on building without providing free medical relief: HC disposes off Kerala Hospital's petition