1999 (10) TMI 739 - SC - Indian Laws

Summary

Issues involved: Challenge to the constitutional validity of Rule 6(i) and Rule 7 of the Rules for Admission to Smt. N. H. L. Municipal Medical College on grounds of being unreasonable, illegal, illogical, irrational, and violative of Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India.

Summary:

The High Court of Gujarat allowed the writ petition challenging the rules defining "local students" for admission to a medical college, citing that the classification based on the location of the educational institution was unreasonable and violative of Article 14. The respondents argued that the rules made an arbitrary distinction based on the institution where students studied, opposing Article 14. The Supreme Court noted that reservations based on domicile, university, or institution are permissible for undergraduate courses, provided they are not wholesale. However, the classification under Rule 7 was deemed arbitrary and unsustainable in law as it restricted "local student" status to those studying within municipal limits, excluding residents studying in nearby areas.

The Supreme Court acknowledged the arbitrariness of the rule but emphasized the necessity of the rule for the institution's functioning and the local populace's benefit. To maintain the institution's purpose and uphold municipal obligations, the Court interpreted Rule 7 to include permanent residents studying in nearby areas within the definition of "local students." This interpretation aimed to preserve the rule's validity while addressing the arbitrariness found by the High Court. By applying the principle of interpreting laws to align with legislative intent, the Court upheld the validity of Rule 7 as interpreted, ensuring the rule's practical application without causing undue harm to the institution's objectives.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court allowed the appeal, setting aside the High Court's judgment, upholding the validity of Rule 6 and Rule 7 as interpreted to include permanent residents studying in nearby areas within the definition of "local students."