The Dean, Goa Medical College, ... vs V

The Supreme Court held that the residency requirement of ten years as per Rule III (1)(iii) of the Goa Rules 1998 for admission to Post-graduate courses is not mandatory and can be considered directory. The Court emphasized that merit should be the primary criterion for admission, referencing Section 58 of the Goa, Daman and Diu Reorganisation Act, 1987. The judgment of the Bombay High Court allowing the first respondent's claim was upheld, reinforcing that domicile or residency preferences must not overshadow merit in educational admissions.