The High Court of Tripura on Friday barred new admissions in the reserved quotas under OBC and EWS in MBBS courses passing an interim order. The High Court’s single Bench of Chief Justice AA Kureshi, however, allowed the concerned authorities to carry out the second phase of the counselling process, advocate Arijit Bhowmik who is pleading the Court on behalf of the appellant said.
He said, in the admission notification, three seats have been reserved for OBC (Other Backward Classes) in RIMS Imphal and 10 seats have been reserved for EWS (Economically Weaker Section) in AGMC Agartala. A candidate has filed a petition with the Court seeking review of the reservations, he added.
“Our point was that although reservations for economically weaker section had been granted through a constitutional amendment in Tripura assembly, no resolutions were passed in this regard. Moreover, as per the constitution, there were no special reservations for OBC”, Bhowmik pointed out.
On being asked about the Court orders, he said, the matter was first heard on November 25 last. The Court sought the government’s reply on the matter issuing notices. The government had filed its reply today. In the meantime, the Court had passed an interim order that barred any new admission in the MBBS course, he added.
“Under the circumstances, by way of ad-interim relief, it is provided that the State authorities may continue the second counselling process, however, no admission in the reserved quota of SEBC (by whatever name called) or EWS students will be granted without the leave of the Court”, the order stated.
