The Delhi High Court emphasized that while the right to pursue higher or professional education is not expressly mentioned as a fundamental right in the Constitution, it places a significant obligation on governments and must not be easily restricted. In response to a writ petition from a medical student whose MBBS admission was revoked due to alleged irregularities related to the NEET-UG 2024 exam, Justice Jasmeet Singh stressed the government’s responsibility to safeguard a student’s educational pursuits in the absence of valid reasons.
Justice Singh highlighted that the student, who secured admission to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Odisha with a NEET-UG 2024 All India Rank of 28,106, obtained his seat through merit in an open entrance exam. The cancellation of his admission, based on information provided by the CBI, was deemed likely to disrupt his academic advancement, as per the court’s order. The judgment also noted that the CBI clarified the student’s status as a witness, not an accused, in the NEET-UG 2024 irregularities case, indicating no apparent involvement in malpractice.
The court ruled in favor of the petitioner, directing authorities to allow him to resume his MBBS studies following the prescribed curriculum, emphasizing the importance of protecting a student’s educational journey and ensuring fairness in such matters.
