The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday sought the Centre’s response while hearing a batch of petitions concerning the admission of Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card holder students to first year MBBS course.

The students have approached the court seeking directions to state government to consider OCI students for non-government seats by treating them on a par with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) for admission to first year MBBS courses.

A division bench headed by Justice H G Ramesh was hearing a batch of petitions filed by Colleen P Mallier and several other students challenging the Rule 5(1) of Karnataka Selection of Candidates for Admission to Government seats in Professional Educational Institutions Rules, 2006 which provides powers to restrict admission to Indian citizens only.

The petitioners contended that they have been residents of the states for over 10 years and have completed most of their education in the state and are thus eligible for seats under the government and private/ management quota.

They have also contended that various states including Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat have already made provisions for admission of students belonging to OCI category who hail from the respective states to be granted seats under the government or management quota.

The court sought to know the Centre’s stand in the next hearing and adjourned the hearing to July 3.