OCI card holders barred from Kalyana Karnataka quota: Karnataka HC

The High Court of Karnataka has ruled that students with Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards are not eligible for reservation under Article 371J of the Constitution. The ruling came in response to a petition filed by Meghana Kuruvalli, a student seeking admission to MBBS and BDS courses under the Kalyana Karnataka quota. The court stated that OCI cardholders are considered foreign nationals according to Karnataka rules, making them eligible only for NRI seats.

Kuruvalli, a UK citizen born in Secunderabad and educated in Ballari, argued that she should be eligible for the Kalyana Karnataka quota under Article 371J. However, the court clarified that OCI cardholders and beneficiaries under Article 371J are distinct classes, with OCI cardholders not covered by the provision. The bench emphasized the difference between citizenship and domicile, stating that OCI card status does not qualify for the quota.