S. Krishna Sradha v. The State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors.
Background
This judgment answers a legal reference; it does not decide the appeal itself. Earlier decisions conflicted on whether a meritorious candidate illegally denied admission to a medical course in time can only be compensated in money or can be given admission after the cut-off date.
Decision Breakdown
This is not a final judgment in the appeal. The three-judge bench held that Chandigarh Administration v. Jasmine Kaur is not good law on this point and affirmed Asha v. Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences. In exceptional cases, where the candidate was not at fault and came to court promptly, a court can direct admission even after the cut-off date; otherwise it can award compensation. It laid down guidelines and answered the reference.
Lesson Learnt
A meritorious student wrongly denied a medical seat who acts quickly can get the seat itself in a rare case, not only money.