In a rare intervention to “do complete justice,” the Supreme Court has ordered the State of Goa to allot one MBBS seat under the Sports Quota to international sailor Pearl Milind Colvalcar for NEET (UG) 2025 admissions.
Colvalcar had approached the apex court challenging a decision of the Bombay High Court (Goa Bench), which had nullified the state government’s move to reallocate unclaimed seats under the Children of Freedom Fighters category to deserving sportspersons.
A bench of Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice A.S. Chandurkar declined to overturn the High Court’s ruling but extended limited relief to Colvalcar, citing the unique facts of the case.
The bench clarified that this exception would not set a legal precedent, stating, “We are not inclined to interfere with the High Court’s order. However, in the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, and to do complete justice, one MBBS seat under the Sports Quota shall be adjusted from any unfilled seat. This direction shall not be treated as a precedent.”
Earlier, the Goa Bench had struck down the August 1 decision of the state government to divert vacant Freedom Fighter category seats to sportspersons, calling the move arbitrary and inconsistent with established admission rules.
Colvalcar’s counsel argued that the High Court overlooked the Goa Sports Policy, 2009, which reserves 3% of graduate-level seats for exceptional athletes representing the state or country in recognised national and international competitions.
While the Supreme Court did not disturb the High Court’s core findings, it ensured that the internationally recognised sailor — who has represented India in sailing — would not lose a year due to procedural rigidity.
