NEET-PG admissions: Will try to hear EWS quota matter tomorrow, says SC

However, the SC is hearing only miscellaneous matters this week and if the NEET matter has to be heard, the benches will have to be reconstituted. The matter was heard previously by a three-judge bench.

“I have to constitute a special bench. Let me see tomorrow. This entire week is a miscellaneous (matters) week. Let me see if we can constitute a bench tomorrow,” the CJI told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who urged him to take it up at least Wednesday.

The SG then requested that it be listed if possible at least before a two-judge bench headed by Justice Chandrachud. The three-judge bench, which heard it previously, was also headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud.

“It concerns EWS of society. There’s a statement made by us which prevents further counselling of resident doctors…Resident doctors are protesting and their concerns are genuine,” the SG said as he highlighted the urgency.

“Let me see. If possible I will constitute a three-judge bench or it will go before a Division bench tomorrow,” added the CJI.

On the last date of hearing on November 25, 2011, the Supreme Court had fixed it for hearing next on January 6.

On Monday, too, the SG had taken up the matter with Justice Chandrachud and requested that it be heard Tuesday.

Justice Chandrachud said the CJI will have to take a call as the bench will have to be reconstituted and assured to discuss it with the CJI.

With the matter not being listed Tuesday, the SG once again approached the court with the request.

During the previous hearings, the SC had the Centre explain what exercise it had undertaken to arrive at Rs 8 annual income criteria for being eligible for the quota.

Responding to this, the Centre told the court on November 25, 2021, that it will revisit the criteria and sought four weeks time to complete the exercise.

On December 31, the government filed an affidavit in the SC stating that it has accepted the recommendation made by a committee set up by it and decided to retain the Rs 8 lakh for the current admission cycle.

Recommendations on how to apply the income limit will be adopted from the next admission cycle.

The petitions have challenged the July 29 notification of the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) providing 27 per cent reservation for other backward classes (OBCs) and 10 per cent for the economically weaker sections (EWS).