In Brief
Christian Medical College Vellore Association and other minority institutions challenged notifications introducing NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) for medical and dental admissions, arguing it violated their Article 30 right to establish and administer institutions. The Supreme Court (3-judge bench) upheld NEET as a valid regulatory measure. While Article 30 rights are fundamental, they are not absolute and can be reasonably restricted in national interest. Professional education requires transparent, merit-based selection; NEET prevents exploitation, capitation fees, and corruption. Regulatory conditions of affiliation and recognition apply equally to all institutions, majority and minority. The court balanced constitutional rights against national objectives including improved public health (Article 47) and excellence (Article 51A(j)), applying proportionality doctrine to justify the uniform entrance examination.
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