Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the President’s decision to withhold assent to the Tamil Nadu Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill, 2021. The bill sought to exempt state medical college admissions from NEET.
The State argues that the Bill was vetoed without “adequate reasons” and solely on the advice of the Union government, despite having addressed all prior objections. It submits that the prolonged withholding of assent undermines Tamil Nadu’s legislative competence.
The petition raises constitutional issues relating to federalism and the scope of Articles 201 and 254(2), seeking either a declaration that the decision is unconstitutional or directions for a fresh, reasoned reconsideration.