The Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling against breaches of regulations in medical and dental education, imposing fines of Rs 10 crore each on 10 private dental colleges in Rajasthan. These colleges admitted
students who did not achieve the minimum required marks in NEET 2016-17, compromising the quality of education.
The NEET exam is the sole criterion for admission to medical and dental courses nationwide. However, during 2016-17, certain private dental colleges in Rajasthan violated the 2007 regulations by admitting students to BDS courses who did not meet the necessary eligibility criteria. This case raised questions about both the students’ and the colleges’ roles.
A bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi stated that the colleges deliberately violated the rules, warranting strict action. The court ordered all 10 colleges to deposit Rs 10 crore each with the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority. Additionally, the Rajasthan government was directed to deposit Rs 10 lakh. The court also questioned the state government’s involvement, noting that unauthorized exemptions granted contributed to the situation.
Amount To Be Placed In Fixed Deposits
The top court also clarified that the total amount of Rs 100 crore collected from the colleges will be placed in fixed deposits. The interest earned will be used to maintain, upgrade, and improve One Stop Centers, Nari Niketans, old age homes, and child care institutions in Rajasthan, describing this as beneficial for vulnerable sections of society.
Exercising its special powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the court regularized the degrees of students who completed their studies despite admissions through fraudulent means. However, this relief is subject to conditions; these students must submit an affidavit to the Rajasthan High Court affirming their commitment to provide free services to the state government during disasters, epidemics, or other emergencies.
The SC has requested the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court to establish a committee of five judges, including at least one woman judge, to oversee the proper use of the interest earned on fixed deposits, ensuring the funds are spent for their intended purpose.
Expressing deep concern over declining standards in medical and dental education, the bench emphasized that illegal admissions undermine the quality of future doctors. The court asserted that strict action is necessary to prevent such violations in the future.
The SC clarified that students who have not completed the BDS course within nine years will be expelled from the programme. According to the 2007 regulations, a five-year degree must be completed within a maximum of nine years, and the court insisted that this rule cannot be relaxed.
