NEET PG 2024 case: Supreme Court Adjourns Case to November – What Does This Mean for Aspirants?
The ongoing NEET PG 2024 controversy saw a new turn on October 25th, 2024, as the case filed by Dr. Ishika Jain against the National Board of Examination (NBE) was heard by a fresh two-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India. With each hearing, the medical community waits anxiously, hoping for clarity amidst the complex legal battle that has delayed the counseling process. Here’s a breakdown of the most recent updates and what they mean for the future.
Union of India Absent Again
While the NBE’s legal team attended the hearing, the Union of India (UoI) once again failed to appear, despite having filed an affidavit with its reply. This absence caused a delay in proceedings, as the judges had to summon an available advocate in the court to represent the UoI on short notice. This lack of coordination between the government and the NBE has further frustrated petitioners and aspirants alike.
Case Adjourned for a Non-Miscellaneous Day (NMD)
The court adjourned the case to a Non-Miscellaneous Day (NMD), which is typically reserved for detailed hearings and final decisions. It is essential to note that NMDs do not address fresh cases and generally fall on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. As the next week coincides with Diwali holidays, the earliest possible hearing date could be November 5th, 2024.
Interim Order: A Point of Curiosity
Towards the end of the hearing, the NBE advocate inquired whether the court had issued any interim orders. The judges clarified that no interim order had been passed, leaving petitioners and observers puzzled. It is unclear why the advocate sought this clarification or if the NBE expected specific instructions. This question has added an element of curiosity to the next hearing, as it could influence the course of action for the NBE and MCC in the meantime.
What This Means for NEET PG Aspirants
With the case now scheduled for another hearing in November, the prolonged legal battle continues to affect thousands of NEET PG aspirants awaiting counselling. The delay has caused significant frustration, with candidates feeling left in limbo as the blame game between NBE and UoI drags on. The lack of clear communication from the authorities and minimal engagement in court discussions only add to the uncertainty.
Possible Scenarios Moving Forward
Given that the case is now listed for detailed arguments on an NMD, it raises hopes that the next hearing could lead to a final decision. If the court issues clear directions on the release of the answer key and other procedural matters, it could pave the way for the MCC to proceed with counseling. However, with no interim orders in place, it is uncertain if any major changes will occur before the next court date.
Next hearing is on 5th November
The NEET PG 2024 case has become a protracted legal struggle, testing the patience of aspirants across the country. While the judiciary works methodically through the procedural complexities, the candidates find themselves stuck in an agonizing wait for clarity. With November 5th now likely to be the earliest date for a resolution, students and doctors must continue monitoring notifications from MCC and NBE closely.
Although the delay has been disheartening, there is still hope that the next hearing will bring conclusive decisions, ensuring a smooth counseling process and offering much-needed relief to aspirants. Until then, the community remains hopeful that the Supreme Court will soon provide the clarity and direction needed to end this long-drawn uncertainty.
