The Telangana High Court on September 16 gave interim relief to a student holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, directing that his application for admission under the NRI quota in NEET PG counselling should be accepted. The bench, led by Chief Justice AKR Sastry and Justice GMM, noted that since updated guidelines are awaited, the student cannot be denied registration merely for want of an Embassy certificate.
Read in Hindi
Background
The petitioner had applied for postgraduate medical admissions under the NRI quota. He submitted his OCI card for eligibility, but his request for an Embassy certificate from the sponsor was turned down, with the authorities stating that the OCI card itself suffices. Despite this, he faced obstacles in registration, as the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) had not yet finalized its updated rules.
Read also:- Supreme Court Blasts CBI for Failing to Arrest Two Cops in Madhya Pradesh Custodial Death Case
Representing the petitioner, Sri Dharmesh D.K. Jaiswal argued that since NEET PG counselling may start any date now, the student should not be left in limbo. He requested the court to direct authorities to allow registration on the basis of the OCI card until the new rules are published.
Court's Observations
During the hearing, counsel for the Central Government informed the bench that the requirement of NRI certificate for OCI is not mandatory, and clarified that updated guidelines for NRI seat eligibility are in the pipeline.
On behalf of Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences, counsel Sri T. Sharath maintained that the University follows only the directions issued by the MCC and cannot independently alter the criteria.
Read also:- Bombay High Court Declares Marriage Null and Void Over Suppression of Wife's Cerebral Palsy Condition
After hearing all sides, the court remarked that it would be unjust to block the student from registering when the official stance itself acknowledges that the OCI card is a valid document.
"The petitioner has an OCI card. His application for registration under the NRI quota shall be entertained on this basis," the bench observed, while stressing that the student must comply with any fresh requirements once new rules are notified.
Granting interim relief, the High Court directed that the petitioner’s registration be accepted for NEET PG counselling under the NRI quota on the strength of his OCI card. However, it clarified that the student will have to produce additional certificates if mandated under future guidelines.
The matter has now been scheduled for further hearing on October 8, 2025.
Case Title: Petitioner vs. Union of India & Others
Case Number: W.P. No. 26204 of 2025
