The Madras High Court in its order dated 27 July, had directed the central government to set up a committee within 3 months to decide on the issue of 50 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in admissions to medical courses under the all-India quota.

The central government had earlier refused to grant 50 per cent reservation for OBCs as per the Tamil Nadu law in medical seats for the academic year 2020-21. After a legal battle by various political leaders in the apex court, the Centre told the Supreme Court that the state can follow its own law with regard to reservation in admissions, but it cannot exceed 50 per cent of the total seats. Hence, apex court had redirected the case to Madras High Cout.

Eventually, the Madras High court after hearing the pleas, directed the central government to set up a committee within 3 months to decide on the issue of 50 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in admissions to medical courses under the all-India quota. It further directed The Medical Council of India and the Health representatives of both Central and State government to form a three-member committee and decide on the process of implementation, within three weeks.

The First Bench comprising Chief Justice A.P. Sahi and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy said the Centre can also pass a law on the matter.

Further to it, the Tamil Nadu government has now appealed to the Supreme Court requesting the SC to implement 50 per cent reservation for the current academic year.