The Supreme Court has agreed to hear plea tomorrow for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota in NEET-PG admissions after the Center sought an urgent hearing in the matter. A bench of Chief Justice (CJI) NV Raman and Justice Surya Kant and Hema Kohli took note of the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, that the matter pertains to the admission process for postgraduate medical courses and students is facing difficulties. Therefore, it is necessary to have an early hearing on this matter.
Earlier on Monday, a bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud told the central government that a three-judge bench can be constituted only by the CJI as the EWS quota case is being heard by a three-judge bench. Therefore, they would insist on listing the matter for hearing in a day or two.
Earlier, the Central Government has decided to retain the existing criteria of ₹8 lakh annual income limit to determine the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) with regard to NEET PG counselling and admission process. The government, in its affidavit filed in the Supreme Court on January 02, informed the apex court that an expert committee constituted by the government to re-evaluate the criteria suggested that the existing norms may be continued for this year's counselling and admissions.
There have been large-scale protests by resident doctors of various hospitals under the banner of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) in Delhi and other parts of the country over the delay in NEET-PG counselling, which has been postponed for the time being on the assurance of an early hearing. The reason for the delay in the counselling round is the provision of the upper-income limit of the EWS quota and OBC reservation quota, pending in the Supreme Court. The Center has had to make a decision to revisit the criteria for fixation of the EWS quota.