Delhi High Court Rules Against National Medical Commission's Withdrawal of Medical Seats
FIR Alone Insufficient for Revoking Conditional Renewal; Court Orders Comprehensive Evaluation of Infrastructure
New Report:
In a significant judgment, the Delhi High Court has overturned the National Medical Commission's (NMC) decision to withdraw the conditional renewal of 250 MBBS seats from Index Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre. The court ruled that the registration of an FIR against the institution does not constitute a valid ground for such withdrawal if the college fulfills the necessary infrastructure and statutory norms required for imparting medical education.
The case, heard by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Ms. Shalinder Kaur, stemmed from an FIR lodged against the medical college alleging misconduct, corrupt practices, and a breach of statutory provisions. Following the FIR, the NMC had withdrawn the renewal of 250 MBBS seats previously granted to the college for the academic session 2025-26.
The court emphasized that decisions regarding the renewal of medical seats must be based on a strict evaluation of infrastructure, facilities, and amenities, rather than solely on the existence of an FIR. The judgment aligns with a prior Supreme Court decision in National Medical Commission v. Madhuri Sewa Nyas, which underscored that an FIR alone is not sufficient grounds for withholding permissions for educational institutions.
The High Court directed the NMC to conduct a fresh inspection of the college's infrastructure by September 9, 2025, and determine whether the institution meets the prescribed norms for the intake of MBBS students. If compliance is assured, the college will be allowed to participate in the ongoing NEET-UG counseling sessions.
The court's ruling also highlighted the impermissibility of leniency in granting permissions for MBBS courses, noting that such leniency could compromise the quality of medical education and endanger human lives. The judgment insists on adherence to statutory compliance and infrastructure standards to ensure that students receive adequate education to practice medicine safely.
The decision comes as the second round of state counseling for medical admissions is set to begin on September 10, 2025. The court has mandated timely compliance with its directions to avoid disruption in the counseling process.
This ruling serves as a reminder of the judicial system's role in safeguarding educational standards and ensuring that decisions affecting student admissions are grounded in comprehensive evaluations rather than punitive measures based on incomplete information. The proceedings related to the FIR will continue independently, without affecting the institution's operational status pending the NMC's compliance verification.
The judgment underscores the importance of maintaining rigorous standards in medical education, reflecting the judiciary's commitment to upholding public trust and ensuring quality healthcare education in India.
