On Wednesday, the Supreme Court annulled domicile-based seat reservations for postgraduate medical programs, deeming it unconstitutional and a violation of the right to equality.
A bench of three judges stated that admissions to postgraduate medical programs must be solely based on merit, while also clarifying that the ruling will not impact domicile-based reservations that states have already established.
“Residence-based reservation in PG medical courses is clearly violative of Article 14 of the Constitution,” the top court said.
“We are domiciles within the boundaries of India.” There is nothing comparable to a provincial or state residence… We possess the freedom to select our residence throughout India and to engage in trade and profession across the nation. The constitution grants us the right to select admission in educational institutions throughout India,” The court stated.
Every state has its unique regulations for providing domicile-based reservations. Generally, applicants must provide evidence of residency in the state to qualify for the quota.
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The Supreme Court stated that reservations in education may be permitted for students in MBBS programs in certain instances, but such practices are not allowed in PG medical programs.
The Supreme Court was reviewing appeals concerning a 2019 ruling by the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding PG admissions to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chandigarh. The High Court ruled that reservations based on domicile or residence are invalid.
