As it denied the Punjab government’s appeal against a high court ruling that nullified altered regulations to be admitted to MBBS courses under this quota, the Supreme Court declared today that the NRI quota system in college admissions was nothing more than a hoax.
In a notice dated August 20, the Punjab government expanded the definition of a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) applicant and allowed relatives of NRIs to apply for admission to the MBBS program under this quota. This notification was dismissed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, noting that it “opens the door for potential misuse”.
The Punjab government’s attorney before the Supreme Court today said that Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh were admitting NRIs under a wide definition. “HP, UP, Chandigarh, everyone is following the definition which I am saying… so only I am under (a) narrow definition,” he stated.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud responded, adding, “You are saying the nearest relation of NRI will also be considered. what is this? just a money-spinning tactic by the state.”
The high court’s decision was supported by the bench, which also included Justice JB Pardiwala. “We must stop this NRI quota business now! This is a complete fraud. This is what we are doing to our education system,” the Chief Justice declared. “Look at the result. Those who got marks three times high won’t get admission,” he continued. According to Justice Pardiwala, every petitioner is an Indian national. “They are just relatives, tai (aunt), taau (uncle), chacha, chachi.”