ORDER :

1. Heard Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, learned senior counsel along with Mr. C.V. Chandrashekar, learned counsel for the petitioners and Mr. Basava Prabhu Patil, learned senior counsel for the State of Karnataka. We have also heard Mr. P.S. Narasimha, learned Additional Solicitor General for the Union of India.

2. Mr. Narasimha has, after obtaining specific instructions, stated that the Union of India has not framed any rule as it is open to the State Government to frame the rules. He has further stated that the Union of India has done away the distinction between the oversees citizen of India (OCI) and the persons of Indian origin (PIO) with respect to 15% of the All India Quota and the same is specifically provided in the brochure.

3. Dr. Dhawan, learned senior counsel appearing for the petitioners has refuted the same by referring to the letter dated 19th December, 2016. The parties are at liberty to file affidavits bringing the documents on record.

4. As an interim measure, it is directed that the petitioners, who are ten in number, are permitted to participate in the second counseling which is going to be held on 17th August, 2017. We are sure the State of Karnataka shall not deviate