Convener quota: MBBS graduate allowed to participate in 2nd phase PG counselling

Hyderabad: A two-judge bench of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday allowed a MBBS graduate to participate in the second phase of postgraduate medical counselling for convener quota seats.

The bench of Justice Abhinand Kumar Shavili and Justice Namavarapu Rajeshwar Rao was dealing with a writ petition filed by Dr N. Anudeep, who had challenged the notification issued by the Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences for exercising web options for the first phase counselling under management quota on the ground that it was opened without concluding counselling for the convener quota.

Counsel for the petitioner argued that notifying counselling for the first phase of management quota without conclusion of the convener quota was against the rules. He contended that Dr Anudeep would not be able to participate in the second phase of convener counselling if he opted for management counselling, thereby forcing him to pay a fee of Rs 23 lakh while the fee for the convenor quota was from Rs 10,000 in government colleges to Rs 7 lakh in private colleges.

The government pleader appearing for the university contended that the classes had commenced after the conclusion of the first phase of convener and management quotas. He said any delay in the process would deprive other students from attending classes. The bench allowed the petitioner to participate in the second phase of convenor quota counselling and directed the university to refund the fees collected under management quota if the petitioner secured a seat in the convener quota.