J U D G M E N T

The issue involved in these writ petitions pertains to whether the right of admission to the MBBS course for Overseas Citizen of India [OCI] Cardholders, who have obtained their OCI Cards prior to 04.03.2021, are to be considered under the seats reserved against the Indian National Category or the Foreign National Category. An identical question is involved in both these petitions, hence, the same are being adjudicated by way of this common judgment. For the sake of convenience, the foundational facts are primarily taken from W.P.(C) 12263/2024. However, wherever necessary, references to the pertinent facts from W.P.(C) 11775/2024 shall also be made.

2. The petitioner was born in India on 24.01.2006 in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. Thereafter, she pursued her schooling from Kindergarten up to 7th standard from the United States of America. Subsequently, she returned to India and continued her education, from 8th standard to 12th Signature Not Verified Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Digitally Signed standard. Subsequently, the petitioner has acquired citizenship of the United States of America on 12.05.2021, following which she obtained her OCI Card on 12.07.20