SC ruling reserves Nagaland’s central pool MBBS seat for indigenous students

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the Nagaland Government’s position in the Vatsala Panghal case, affirming that non-indigenous candidates cannot claim seats from the State’s MBBS pool. The case, initiated in July 2025 by a petitioner with a NEET-UG score of 455, progressed through the Gauhati High Court before reaching the Supreme Court, which chose not to interfere with the lower court’s decisions. The ruling marks a significant legal precedent and was achieved through the dedicated efforts of the legal team led by Advocate General K.N. Balgopal.