Delhi HC Upholds MCC Decision on NEET Counselling Seat Conversion

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea challenging the MCC’s decision to withdraw the conversion of reserved SC children/women seats to General category during NEET counselling. The ruling reaffirms MCC’s regulatory powers in the seat allotment process and ensures transparency in medical admissions through merit and category-based protocols. Students must now rely solely on official category allocations during counselling rounds.

The Delhi High Court has rejected a petition challenging the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) regarding its revised policy in NEET counselling 2024, specifically the reversal of converting vacant SC children/women seats into the General category. This verdict supports MCC’s authority to maintain structured and category-wise transparency in the counselling process. The court emphasized that any changes in category allocations must be consistent with constitutional safeguards and merit principles in medical admissions.

Key Highlights of the Case and Court’s Verdict

The petitioner opposed MCC's move to revert converted SC children/women seats, claiming it affected general category students.

The Delhi HC ruled in favour of MCC, stating that the body acted within its jurisdiction.

The court emphasized that reserved seats must remain intact unless properly de-reserved through due process.

The ruling protects reservation policy and prevents arbitrary seat conversions during counselling.

This judgment reinforces the importance of following established seat allotment frameworks in NEET counselling.

Implications for NEET Counselling and Medical Admissions

MCC retains the power to revise or withdraw provisional seat conversion decisions during NEET counselling.

Candidates must now strictly adhere to their respective categories while participating in seat allotment rounds.

Reserved seats for SC candidates, especially for children and women, will remain safeguarded.

General category students must compete based on open merit without reliance on backdoor conversions.

The judgment will serve as a precedent for future medical counselling disputes involving seat reservations.

Reactions and Broader Impact

Legal experts and education activists have welcomed the judgment for upholding reservation integrity.

The MCC’s move is seen as a measure to promote fairness and constitutional compliance in medical admissions.

Many NEET aspirants now seek better awareness of counselling procedures to avoid misinterpretation of seat allotment policies.

Institutions have been reminded to follow transparent reservation protocols during every round.

This case may prompt stricter audit and oversight of state and central counselling mechanisms.

Conclusion
By backing the MCC’s decision and protecting reserved seats, the Delhi High Court has strengthened the foundation of NEET counselling procedures. The ruling upholds the spirit of equitable medical admissions, ensuring that seat allocations remain both lawful and merit-based.