HC says dental course seat allocation at AIIMS not fair

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday said the formula adopted by AIIMS for allocating seats to various categories in the Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) course is "not just" as no seat was reserved for the OBC category. The course is set to begin later this month.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday said the formula adopted by AIIMS for allocating seats to various categories in the Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) course is "not just" as no seat was reserved for the OBC category. The course is set to begin later this month.

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The court, however, declined to interfere with the admission process. But it has asked the Centre and AIIMS to allocate seats as per provisions in the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act in future.

"The formula adopted by respondent 1 (AIIMS) is not in conformity with the legislative mandate since sometimes the reserved category candidates are getting more than their due share and sometimes they are not getting the share which ought to have been given to them...the formula applied by it is neither legal nor just and fair," said Justice VK Jain.

The court order came while disposing of a plea filed by one Anusar Gupta, first rank holder in OBC category in post-graduate MDS course. The candidate was refused admission at the institute this year.

The court rejected Gupta’s plea for a direction to AIIMS to reserve 27% seats out of total seats for OBC category in MDS course and grant him admission.

"I am of the view that the admission process requires no interference by the court and should be allowed to be completed as per the allocation notified in the prospectus," the court said.

It added: "However, for future admissions, AIIMS is directed to examine the matter afresh in the light of the provisions contained in Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act."