New Delhi, Oct 25 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday asked the central government to put the counseling for NEET-PG on hold until it decides the validity of the Centre's decision to introduce OBC and EWS reservation in All India Quota (AIQ).

An apex court led by Justice DY Chandrachud observed if counseling takes place before the court takes a decision, "the students will be in serious problem". The court put the counseling on hold, after getting assurance from the central government on the issue.

"We will take your word for it then, so long as the students are not counseled. We will take your word that the counseling is not starting till we decide one way or the other. The students will be, otherwise, in serious problem," the Supreme Court bench observed.

The apex court has questioned the rationale behind fixing Rs 8 lakh as annual income criteria for EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) category.

The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Nataraj, senior law officer appearing for the central government, told and assured the Supreme Court Bench that the counseling for NEET-PG will not commence until the court decides the validity of the Centre's decision to introduce reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBC).

Nataraj gave the assurance when senior lawyer, Arvind Datar, appearing for the NEET aspirants who have filed the petition in the court, sought appropriate directions and order in the issue.

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