OBC reservation to be extended to bonafide UT residents only: GMCH to HC over MBBS admissions

Chandigarh: The director principal of the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the September 4 2024 notification extending OBC reservation for MBBS admissions will remain unchanged. In response, the court has dismissed the petition filed by a petitioner seeking a broader interpretation of the reservation policy and has ordered that a detailed judgment be issued later.

The submission had argued that the reservation should apply to all bonafide residents of the Union Territory, not just those identified under the existing OBC categories. The GMCH official clarified that no alteration to the earlier directive is being considered, emphasizing that the current policy will continue to govern admissions.

The case had drawn attention from medical education circles and student groups concerned about eligibility criteria for MBBS seats. By bringing the matter before the High Court, the petitioner aimed to challenge the limitation of OBC benefits to a narrow segment of the UT population.

The High Court, after hearing the arguments, disposed of the plea, indicating that the existing notification stands. While the order was not read in open court, officials said a detailed document will be released in the coming days, providing clarity on the implementation of the reservation.

OBC reservation for MBBS admissions was first notified in September 2024, aiming to increase representation of OBC communities in medical colleges across the region. The notification specifically mentioned that the benefit would be limited to bonafide residents of the Union Territory, a point reiterated by the GMCH director principal during the hearing.

Legal experts note that the court’s dismissal reflects a procedural acceptance of the existing framework, rather than a substantive endorsement of any broader claim. The absence of a written judgment at this stage means stakeholders will wait for the official order to understand any nuances that may follow.

For students aspiring to pursue MBBS in the region, the outcome will determine whether the reservation quota applies solely to those already classified under OBC categories or expands to include all bonafide UT residents who meet the criteria. The GMCH’s stance suggests the former interpretation will persist, pending the court’s final wording.

The High Court’s decision to dispose of the plea without further oral arguments indicates that the petition lacked legal merit under the current framework. Nevertheless, the anticipation of a detailed order underscores the importance of procedural clarity in such admission policies.

As the detailed judgment approaches, the education community and interested parties will monitor the High Court’s forthcoming document for any adjustments that could affect future admissions. Until then, the September 4 2024 notification remains the operative rule for OBC reservation in MBBS admissions at GMCH and other affiliated institutions in Chandigarh.

Source: Hindustan Times