Court Cannot Examine Correctness Of Policy Decision Which Is Supported By Sufficient Material And Complies With Article 14: Patna High Court

The Patna High Court reiterated that courts cannot examine the correctness of a policy decision supported by sufficient material and complying with Article 14 of the Constitution. The court dismissed a petition seeking a mandamus to direct respondents to allot an MBBS seat to the petitioner, who was denied a seat despite having a higher ranking. The court emphasized that judicial review does not extend to determining the correctness of a policy decision if it is backed by cogent material, taken in public interest, and not arbitrary or irrational. The court highlighted that policy-making is the domain of the executive, and once the parameters of Article 14 are satisfied, the court must respect the decision. The petitioner’s challenge was based on the allocation of seats in the NEET Examination 2023 and subsequent counseling rounds.