Bombay high court, in it’s final hearing on March 27 dismissed pleas challenging the final merit list released by Directorate of Medical Education and Research. The order would clear the way for DMER to follow the Supreme Court order and complete the 1st round of admission process by April 8. Keeping the schedule in consideration, DMER has instructed all government centers to remain open even on public holidays to complete the process.

The PGM-CET held on January 4 had 43 disputed questions. A petition was filed against the final merit list announced by DMER as 13 disputed questions were considered after cut off date for objections.

The DMER published the final merit list for first round of allotment on Monday comprising of 775 seats in various government and private colleges. 2495 students had filled the preference forms and the merit list is prepared based on the merit, preference and availability of seat. The final merit list was announced after adding 26 marks(13 before and 13 after initial merit list) for the erroneous questions and an additional 17 marks to those who opted for any of the two correct answers of ambiguous questions.

The petitioners argued that the 2nd round of rectification after initial merit list was in violation of rules regarding February 12 as cut off date for pointing out objections. Government pleader Abhinandan Vagyani argued that DMER was right in considering the representation made after cut off date for the objections received. The lawyer also referred to the Supreme Court ruling on deadline for medical admissions and overturning the merit list would delay the admission process.

Earlier, Vinod Tawde, Minister of Education, had ordered a high level enquiry into the issue under the supervision of Medha Gadgil, Additional Chief secretary, Medical Education department.The Minister assured that the department will take a strict action against those who found guilty. He also ensured that he will not allow such mistake to repeat again.

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