'Complete fraud': Supreme Court slams Punjab govt over ‘NRI quota’ expansion, upholds HC decision
In a big blow to the Punjab government, the Supreme Court has rejected its plea challenging High Court order on NRI quota system in college admissions. Dismissing the plea, the top court called it a fraud and said "this must end".
PTC News Desk: In a big blow to the Punjab government, the Supreme Court has rejected its plea challenging High Court order on NRI quota system in college admissions. Dismissing the plea, the top court called it a fraud and said "this must end".
Notably, on August 20, the Punjab government had widened the definition of an NRI candidate and announced that relatives of Non-Resident Indians (NRI) are eligible to seek admission to the MBBS course under this quota. However, the Punjab and Haryana High Court shot down this notification and stated that this "opens the door for potential misuse".
During the hearing, Punjab government's counsel argued that Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh follow a broad definition for NRI quota admissions. "HP, UP, Chandigarh, everyone is following the definition which I am saying... so only I am under (a) narrow definition," Punjab government representative stated.
To this, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud stated, "You are saying the nearest relation of NRI will also be considered. What is this? Just a money-spinning tactic by the state."
"We must stop this NRI quota business now. This is a complete fraud. This is what we are doing to our education system. Look at the result. Those who got marks three times high won't get admission," the apex court observed. The panel also included Justice JB Pardiwala. "They are just relatives, tai (aunt), taau (uncle), chacha, chachi," Justice Pardiwala stated, adding that all the applicants are from India.