Introduction
On January 29, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that domicile-based reservations in PG medical courses violate Article 14 of the Constitution. A three-judge bench, including Justices Hrishikesh Roy, Sudhanshu Dhulia, and SVN Bhatti, emphasized that state quota seats must be filled based on NEET merit. Therefore, states cannot grant reservations solely based on residence.
Merit-Based Selection Must Prevail in PG Medical Admissions
The Supreme Court clarified that all Indian citizens share a common domicile – the domicile of India. Since the Constitution allows people to reside and work anywhere in the country, limiting PG medical admissions based on domicile would contradict the principle of equality. Thus, the ruling reinforces merit as the key criterion.
Supreme Court Reiterates Key Legal Precedents
The judgment reaffirmed principles from several past cases, including:
- Pradeep Jain v. Union of India (1984)
- Saurabh Chaudri v. Union of India (2003)
- Jagadish Saran v. Union of India (1980)
Earlier, these rulings established that domicile-based reservations could be allowed at the MBBS level but not in PG courses. The Supreme Court once again upheld this stance, stating that higher education requires a stronger focus on merit.
Limited Domicile Reservations Allowed Only in MBBS
Justice Dhulia, delivering the reasoning, stated that undergraduate (MBBS) admissions may accommodate some domicile-based reservations. However, specialized PG medical education demands the best talent, making merit-based admissions essential. Since healthcare services depend on skilled professionals, reservation in PG courses based on residence would compromise quality.
Existing PG Medical Students Will Not Be Affected
The Supreme Court assured that students already enrolled in PG medical courses under domicile-based quotas will continue their studies without issues. Similarly, those who have already graduated under such quotas will not face any adverse effects. This clarification provides relief to thousands of students.
Punjab and Haryana High Court’s Verdict Led to This Appeal
This case originated from an appeal challenging the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s decision to strike down domicile-based reservations in PG medical courses at Government Medical College, Chandigarh. In 2019, a two-judge Supreme Court bench referred the issue to a larger bench, leading to this crucial judgment.
States Must Revise Admission Policies to Comply with the Ruling
Now that the Supreme Court has ruled against domicile-based reservations, state governments must modify their admission policies. By doing so, they will ensure compliance with constitutional principles. Moreover, this change will promote a fair and transparent selection process in PG medical courses.
Impact on Medical Education and Healthcare
The judgment is likely to improve the fairness of PG medical admissions. By eliminating domicile-based quotas, the ruling ensures that the most qualified candidates secure seats. As a result, India’s healthcare system will benefit from better-trained specialists.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant step toward fairness in medical education. By removing domicile-based reservations, the ruling ensures that merit remains the top priority. This approach not only upholds constitutional equality but also fosters a more competent medical workforce for the nation.
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