Yet another delay: SC hearing on NEET PG quotas deferred once again, candidates cry foul

The reason for which the matter has been deferred is not known yet. However, the candidates have taken to Twitter to express their frustration over the matter.

Around 1.6 lakh candidates had appeared for the NEET-PG 2021 examination, which is the common entrance examination for securing admission to PG medical courses across India.

Even though the counseling in the 50 percent AIQ seats was set to commence from October 25, 2021, after the OBC and EWS reservation policy that was announced by the Central Government was questioned, MCC had postponed the counseling dates.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Central Government had assured the top court that till the matter concerning EWS quota gets resolved, no NEET PG counseling would be held.

The bench of judges, including Justice DY Chandrachud and BV Nagarathna, had noted Centre's assurance and recorded that if the counseling process starts before the court takes a decision, the "students will be in a serious problem".

Earlier, on 21st October, the court had advised the Centre to revisit the limit of Rs 8 lakh annual income for determining the EWS category for reservation in medical admissions via NEET PG Counselling. Following this, on October 26, the Central Government had justified its decision regarding the matter as well. Further, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in an affidavit had said that the principle of fixing the amount is rational and in keeping with Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution.

It was decided that the matter would be heard today, i.e. November 23, 2021 and the candidates were also hopeful that the dates for the counseling process would be released as well.

Also Read: NEET PG 2021 Counselling: Supreme Court hearing on OBC, EWS Quota Today

However, as per the latest media report by TimesNow, the matter has been deferred again and would be taken up on November 25. Even though the reason for this delay is not known, the daily adds that some people have started alleging that the matter couldn't be taken up by the bench because of the absence of a judge. However, there has not been any official update regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, the doctors across the country have started urging the concerned authorities to expedite the matter. Already doctors under the umbrella of the Federation of Resident Doctors' Association (FORDA) and Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) have approached the Chief Justice of India and wrote to him urging to expedite the hearing of the pending case. FAIMA had also launched a Twitter Storm supporting the cause and demanding expedition regarding the NEET PG counseling process.