The Telangana government has escalated its legal battle over GO 148, filing an appeal with the Supreme Court against the Telangana High Court’s recent decision to strike down parts of the order. This move, petitioners argue, will further delay the NEET-PG 2024 State Counselling process, leaving thousands of medical aspirants in uncertainty.
Background of the Dispute
On December 17, the Telangana High Court revoked sections of GO 148, specifically Explanation (b) to Rule VIII(ii) of the Telangana Medical Colleges (Admission into Post Graduate Medical Courses) Rules, 2021. The amendment had deemed candidates who completed their undergraduate medical studies (MBBS, BAMS, or BHMS) in Telangana but pursued schooling outside the state ineligible for local category seats in NEET-PG 2024 State Counselling.
Calling this provision unconstitutional, the court allowed these candidates to participate in the State Counselling for the academic year 2024-25, a decision welcomed by many but challenged by the state government.
Government’s Appeal to the Supreme Court
The appeal, The State of Telangana vs S Satyanarayana, was filed on December 18 under diary number 59566/2024. Advocate Sravan Kumar Karanam, representing the state, submitted the petition to overturn the High Court’s decision, which he claims undermines the state’s authority over admissions.
However, legal experts and petitioners argue that the appeal serves little purpose other than stalling the counselling process.
Petitioners’ Concerns
Dr. Yaganti Siva Rama Krishna, a petitioner in the case, expressed frustration over the government’s actions, alleging that the appeal is motivated by a desire to protect its “bruised ego” rather than legitimate concerns over admissions policy.
“The Telangana High Court dedicated eight hearings to this matter, thoroughly deliberating the case before striking down the unconstitutional provisions. The Supreme Court is unlikely to reverse this decision, especially given the clear legal precedent,” Dr. Siva remarked.
He further alleged that the government’s delay in releasing the State Merit List—despite the High Court ruling—suggests a tactic to increase the number of management quota seats, which are financially lucrative for institutions.
Impact on Aspirants
The delay has significant implications for aspirants from Telangana, particularly those relying on State Counselling due to their rank range. With the Supreme Court’s vacation period from December 21 to January 1, it is unlikely that the appeal will be heard before the new year, potentially pushing admissions into 2025.
“Most Telangana candidates do not qualify for All India Counselling as it requires a rank above 5,000. For the majority, State Counselling is their only option, and these delays jeopardize their future,” Dr. Siva emphasized.
Future Outlook
This prolonged legal tussle highlights deeper issues in the state’s approach to medical admissions and the potential misuse of administrative provisions to prioritize financial gains over student welfare. Aspirants and stakeholders now await the Supreme Court’s response, hoping for a swift resolution to this contentious issue.