The Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) has extended its unequivocal support to the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in opposing alleged procedural and substantive irregularities in the dmission of Ms. Vatsala Panghal under the NEET 2025 Nagaland State quota.
In a press release, the NLSF urged the Directorate of Technical Education and other competent authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough review of the candidate’s eligibility, focusing on permanent residency and domicile status within Nagaland; compliance with State Quota Policy norms, and verification of Indigenous Inhabitant status.
The Federation stated that if such irregularities are proven, they would violate constitutional safeguards provided to Scheduled Tribes under Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 46 of the Constitution of India, which ensure the promotion of educational and economic interests of socially and educationally disadvantaged groups.
It further cautioned that fraudulent admissions, obtained through misrepresentation or false documentation, not only contravene principles of natural justice, equality, and non-arbitrariness under Article 14, but also compromise the integrity of the State’s reservation framework, depriving Indigenous candidates of their rightful opportunities.
The NLSF urged the authorities to initiate a comprehensive inquiry into all NEET 2025 admissions under the indigenous quota, with special attention to verifying the authenticity of documents and revoke admissions and initiate legal proceedings against individuals found to have secured seats fraudulently.
It also urged to strengthen verification mechanisms for Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates and Scheduled Tribe Certificates, including mandatory cross-verification; take disciplinary action against any officials found involved in malpractice, and establish a transparent grievance redressal cell to address concerns raised by Indigenous candidates.
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Highlighting that the issue is not merely administrative but tied to principles of social justice, affirmative action, and equitable access to education, the NLSF emphasized the need for competent authorities to ensure justice “seen to be done clearly.”
“We appreciate the NSF for its vigilance and reaffirm our commitment to defend the rights and privileges for the Indigenous Naga students in all appropriate legal and democratic forums,” the statement stated.
