Karnataka HC Verdict Cancels Invalid Allotments in KEA NEET PG 2024 Round 3

 

 

On 4th February 2025, the High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru delivered a significant ruling in W.P. No. 2848/2025, addressing the irregularities in the third round (mop-up round) of KEA NEET PG 2024 Round 3 Counselling conducted by the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA). The judgment, delivered by Justice Anu Sivaramana and Justice Vijaykumar A. Patil, responded to a petition filed by aggrieved KEA NEET PG 2024 Round 3 aspirants. The court identified procedural lapses and directed corrective measures to ensure fair seat allocation. 

Case Background

The petitioners, a group of KEA NEET PG 2024 Round 3 candidates, contested KEA’s allotment of seats in the mop-up round of state Counselling. Their primary argument was that KEA had wrongfully allowed ineligible candidates who had already secured seats in the All India Quota (AIQ) mop-up round to participate in state Counselling, violating KEA’s guidelines. This resulted in the unfair allocation of medical seats, depriving deserving candidates of their rightful opportunities.

 

Key Issues Raised

1. Violation of Eligibility Criteria

KEA’s official brochure clearly stated that candidates who had secured a seat in the AIQ mop-up round were not eligible for KEA’s mop-up round. However, KEA disregarded this rule, allowing ineligible candidates to register and secure seats, which violated its eligibility criteria.

2. Delays in Data Sharing

The petitioners highlighted that delays and discrepancies in data sharing between AIQ authorities and KEA led to confusion and improper seat allotments. Due to the lack of timely communication, KEA mistakenly allotted state seats to candidates who had already secured AIQ seats.

3. Procedural Lapses by KEA

Despite no official amendment to the eligibility criteria stated in its brochure, KEA permitted AIQ-selected candidates to participate in the state Counselling process. This procedural lapse resulted in irregular seat allotments, affecting genuine KEA NEET PG 2024 Round 3 aspirants.

Also Read Karnataka HC to Hear on KEA NEET PG 2024 Round 3 Result Discrepancies

Court’s Observations & Verdict

After considering the arguments, the High Court of Karnataka ruled in favor of the petitioners and issued the following key observations:

Final Court Orders

Based on its findings, the High Court issued the following final directives:

1. Cancellation of Wrongful Seat Allotments: All seats wrongly allotted to ineligible candidates in KEA’s third round were to be revoked immediately.
   
   
2. Reallocation of Vacated Seats: The vacated seats were to be reallocated based on merit in the next round of Counselling.
   
   
3. Extension of AIQ Joining Deadline: The deadline for joining an AIQ seat was extended until 9 February 2025, relieving affected candidates.
   
   
4. No Penalty for Affected Candidates: Candidates who had unknowingly joined KEA’s seats due to KEA’s mismanagement would not face any penalties.
   
   
5. Refund of Fees: KEA was instructed to refund the fees to affected students who had to forfeit their wrongly allotted seats.
   
   
6. Immediate Communication to Students: KEA was ordered to inform all affected students about the ruling and provide clear instructions on the next steps.

 

Impact of the Judgment

This ruling provided much-needed relief to KEA NEET PG 2024 Round 3 aspirants who were unfairly deprived of their rightful seats. It also set a precedent for transparency and adherence to Counselling regulations in future medical admissions. Canceling wrongly allotted seats reinstated fairness in the admission process and upheld the integrity of KEA NEET PG 2024 Round 3 Counselling.

The court’s directive for fee refunds and AIQ deadline extensions helped mitigate financial and academic distress among students impacted by KEA’s procedural failures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What was the primary issue in this case?

The case challenged KEA’s decision to allow ineligible AIQ-allotted candidates to participate in the mop-up round of state Counselling, which violated KEA’s eligibility rules.

2. What was the High Court’s ruling?

The High Court ruled that KEA’s actions were unlawful and ordered the cancellation of wrongful seat allotments, reallocation of seats, refunds for affected students, and extension of AIQ joining deadlines.

3. Will eligible petitioners get another chance at admission?

Yes, the court directed KEA to allow eligible petitioners to claim the vacated seats by participating in the stray vacancy round.

4. What happens to candidates who joined KEA’s seats due to KEA’s error?

These candidates were given until 9th February 2025 to join their AIQ seats, and no penalties would be imposed on them.

5. How will KEA prevent such issues in the future?

The court criticized KEA for its procedural failures and directed it to improve its data-sharing mechanisms to ensure timely and transparent communication between AIQ and state Counselling authorities.

 

The High Court’s verdict in W.P. No. 2848/2025 reinforced the importance of fair and transparent seat allocation in KEA NEET PG 2024 Round 3 Counselling. The court upheld the principles of justice and integrity in medical admissions by ordering the cancellation of wrongful seat allotments, ensuring merit-based reallocation, and mandating fee refunds. This landmark ruling will serve as a guiding framework for future Counselling procedures, ensuring strict compliance with regulations to protect the rights of deserving candidates.

 

Also Read BFUHS Punjab NEET PG Counselling 2024 Round 3 Seat Allotment Analysis