Chandigarh Administration v. Jasmine Kaur
Background
Jasmine Kaur challenged a Chandigarh medical college rule giving preference within the NRI quota to candidates whose families had specified local property and residence connections. The High Court struck down the restriction but initially refused admission because she had delayed her challenge. Its appellate bench subsequently ordered an MBBS place, ultimately in the following academic year, although she was already studying dentistry and had not competed in that year's admission process.
Decision Breakdown
The Supreme Court allowed the Administration's and another candidate's appeals and cancelled Jasmine's MBBS admission. Her delay did not justify bypassing the admission timetable or displacing candidates who had properly applied for 2014-15. The invalidity of the prospectus restriction did not automatically entitle her to a reserved future seat. The Court directed restoration of her 2013-14 BDS place if she wished to continue, and required the vacant seats to be filled on merit.
Lesson Learnt
Applicants should challenge an exclusionary admission rule promptly and participate in the relevant year's selection process. Winning a challenge to a rule does not necessarily secure late admission at other eligible candidates' expense.