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The Supreme Court is going to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the West Bengal government's decision to provide reservation quota for in-service doctors in the post-graduate medical, dental, and post-doctoral medical counseling in government and private colleges, from the state quota seats. 

The petition has been filed by MBBS Doctors seeking direction for quashing the notice which provides for reservation of 40% for in-service medical/ dental officers and for commencing the state counselling without the additional 40% reservation.

The plea has challenged the notice dated October 8 issued by West Bengal, Department of Health and Family Welfare titled, "Notification regarding provision of in-service quota in post graduate medical and dental and post-doctoral medical counselling for state quota seats in government/private colleges, for such courses, in West Bengal."

The plea has alleged that it is unlawful deprivation of the fundamental rights of the petitioners, stating that, "the added 40% reservation for the in-service category is in sheer disregard to the fundamental rights of the petitioners and similarly placed candidates." 

The plea has further sought direction to the state to state the basis on which the 40% reservation was arrived at.

The PIL also said that the state should "omit the implementation of 40% reservation and instead provide an incentive at the rate of 10% of the marks obtained for each year in-service in remote areas up to the maximum of 30% of the marks obtained."

Cause Title: Sugata Bhattacharjee and Ors. Vs. Department of Health and Family Welfare Government of West Bengal and Ors