SWATHI K.S. Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The seminal issue involved in these bunch of petitions is with regard to validity of notification dtd. 6/10/2022 issued by Government of Karnataka, by which seats earmarked for in-service candidates for PG-NEET examination 2022 was reduced from 30% to 15%. In order to appreciate the grievance of the petitioners, relevant facts need mention, which are stated infra.

(2.) The petitioners are Doctors who are working in various primary health centers under the Department of Health and Family Welfare. Every year the State Government earmarks the seats for admission to various PG courses for in-service candidates. By a notification dtd. 19/1/2022, the State Government had earmarked 30% of the seats for in-service candidates. Thereafter, by a notification dtd. 31/1/2022, 392 seats in various post graduate courses were earmarked for in-service candidates.

(3.) The Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare services had issued a circular dated 04. 02.2022 which enables the petitioners to make applications for post graduate courses as against in- service quota on the basis of the marks secured in PG-NEET entrance examination. The petitioners applied for admission to the post graduate course. The Director of Medical Education issued a merit list on 29/9/2022 of 130 candidates who were found eligible to appear for counseling for admission to post graduate course.