The Supreme Court has rejected Punjab’s plea regarding the NRI quota, labeling it a “money-spinning machine.” This decision comes after the Punjab government attempted to extend the quota benefits to distant relatives of NRIs for admission to medical and dental colleges ¹.The apex court, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, dismissed all related petitions, stating, “This fraud must end now” ¹. The court criticized the scheme, emphasizing its negative impact on meritorious students who lose admission due to these extensions. For instance, candidates with three times higher marks in NEET-UG courses are often overlooked ¹.The Punjab government’s policy aimed to reserve 15% of total seats for NRI candidates in private and government medical institutes ¹. However, most of these seats remain vacant due to a lack of eligible candidates ¹. The High Court had previously trashed the state government’s move to extend benefits to distant relatives, including uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins ¹.The Supreme Court’s strong stance highlights the need for transparency and fairness in admission processes. By rejecting Punjab’s plea, the court upholds the principle of merit-based admissions, ensuring deserving students receive opportunities ¹.This verdict is significant, as it sets a precedent for other states and institutions to reevaluate their admission policies and quota systems. The court’s emphasis on ending fraudulent practices promotes a more equitable education system ¹.