The Supreme Court has struck down the decision of the Goa Government to withdraw all admissions held under NEET on finding that its order of July 18 that quashed NEET but protected admissions made under it was openly defied by the State.
The State Government’s order of July 25 evoked a sense of rage within the judges who were “perplexed” by the manner in which the State decided to act against the rule laid down by the apex court.
“Unfortunately, here the authorities of the State Government have felt courageous enough to play possum and proceeded to crucify the fate of the candidates who had been protected by the verdict of this court. Such an
action is absolutely impermissible. Thus analysed the letter dated July 25 deserves to be lancinated and we do so,” the bench decided.
For the aggrieved NEET candidates who suffered this fate for no fault of theirs, the court directed State to re-admit them against their previously held seats. The court also had pity on the new set of students who were admitted later by the State and directed them to be adjusted against the excess 21 seats of All India quota based on inter-se merit.
While the State took the brunt for this chaotic situation, the apex court apportioned some blame on the High Court as well to have entertained the petitions of the non-NEET candidates at a time when 115 petitions on the constitutional validity of NEET was pending before the Supreme Court. All admissions made under NEET were held to be “temporary”. At the same time, the final decision would depend on the apex court’s ultimate decision, the HC said.
This aggravated the State’s crime for the apex court order of July 18 had protected all admissions held under NEET.