NEET-AIQ: SC sets aside Madras HC's direction to Centre on EWS quota

The Supreme Court on Friday set aside the Madras High Court's direction to the Centre, which stated that for the implementation of quota for economically weaker sections (EWS) in the NEET-All India Quota (AIQ), it has to seek approval of the Constitution Bench of the top court. Also read | US visit: PM Modi presents unique gifts to Kamala Harris, Quad leaders

A Supreme Court Bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud made it clear that it is not quashing the Madras High Court's direction on merit, but on the ground that the HC should not have passed the order while deciding a contempt petition filed by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. It observed that the High Court's observations were unnecessary and it was considering a contempt petition seeking the implementation of OBC quota in NEET-AIQ. "When you are in contempt jurisdiction, you just need to see if the order has complied or not," Justice Chandrachud said. The High Court in its August 25 order upheld the Centre's July 29 notification for 27 per cent OBC reservation, but had said that the 10 per cent EWS reservation cannot be permitted without the apex court's approval. The Centre then approached the Supreme  Court against the Madras High Court's direction. Also read | UPSC NDA applications open for women from September 24 The Centre on July 29 extended 27 per cent OBC and 10 per cent EWS quota reservation to all medical seats under the AIQ, including seats surrendered by the state medical colleges towards the central pool. The quota covers undergraduate and postgraduate medical and dental courses, starting from the current academic year. The government has said the quota policy would help marginalised sections get better opportunities. -With inputs from agencies