MokokchungTimes.com
The Supreme Court of India has ruled in favor of the Nagaland State Government in the case concerning a claim over one MBBS seat from the central pool allocated to the State, bringing a decisive conclusion to a prolonged legal battle.
The judgment, delivered on February 10, 2026, declined to interfere with the orders passed by the Gauhati High Court, including its Division Bench, thereby upholding the State Government’s position in the matter. The Court dismissed the Special Leave Petition along with any accompanying interlocutory applications.
The case originated in July 2025 when petitioner Vatsala Panghal, who scored 455 marks in NEET-UG 2025 and secured an All India Rank of 1,13,803, claimed entitlement to one MBBS seat from the central pool allocated to Nagaland, asserting that she stood at Rank No 2 in the State.
The matter was first heard before the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court and later before the Division Bench. The State Government’s case was argued by Additional Advocate General Vihelieu Suokhrie.
With the Supreme Court dismissing the petition and refusing to interfere with the High Court’s orders, the earlier judgment now stands affirmed, reinforcing the State Government’s authority over allocation of MBBS seats from the central pool meant for Nagaland.
The case was handled on behalf of the State by the legal team led by Advocate General KN Balgopal.