SC upholds state govt in MBBS seat dispute

In a landmark verdict on February 10, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Nagaland government in the case involving Vatsala Panghal, who had claimed an MBBS seat from the central pool allocated to Nagaland.
According to DIPR, the judgment ended a prolonged legal battle and set a precedent that non-indigenous candidates cannot claim seats reserved for Nagaland.
The case began in July 2025 after the petitioner, who scored 455 in NEET-UG 2025 with an All India Rank of 1,13,803, claimed to be Rank 2 in Nagaland and sought a state quota. Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench and Division Bench upheld the state’s stand. The Supreme Court dismissed the Special Leave Petition, affirming the High Court’s orders.