Summit Report, Gangtok 30 Jan:
The Government of Sikkim has issued a statement addressing concerns raised on social media following the Supreme Court’s judgment in the case of Dr. Tanvi Behl Vs Shrey Goel & others, which pertains to domicile-based reservations in Post Graduate medical courses.
Sikkim’s Additional Advocate General, Zangpo Sherpa, in a press release issued today, stresses that the case in question does not pertain to any Sikkim laws or policies, reiterating that Sikkim enjoys special status under the Union of India.
The Supreme Court judgment in question ruled that residence-based reservations for PG medical admissions are constitutionally impermissible, mandating that seats must be filled based on merit from the All-India examination. This was while deciding on a prospectus issued by the Govt Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh.
The judgment specified that out of 64 seats at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, only 32 could be reserved based on institutional preference; the remaining 32 seats were improperly filled based on residence criteria.
The Sikkim Additional Advocate General emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision was specific to the Chandigarh institution’s admission prospectus and does not pertain to any Sikkim laws or policies. Citing Article 371-F of the Constitution, officials noted that Sikkim is afforded special provisions that protect its rights and admission processes.
He has urged the public not to be misled by the discourse surrounding the Supreme Court ruling, asserting their commitment to defending the special rights of Sikkimese citizens as guaranteed by the Constitution.
The release reaffirms the State Government dedication to the welfare of its people under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), calling for unity and understanding in light of recent developments.
