The Himachal Pradesh High Court is taking a look at the issue of open MBBS seats at Atal Medical University. The National Medical Commission and the Atal Medical University were recently ordered to pay a total of Rs. 4 lakhs in damages for denying admission to a petitioner in the MBBS programme, as the court took a tough stance in its most recent decision. This ruling has highlighted the significance of prompt admissions and fair procedures in the field of medical education in addition to holding the institution and the commission accountable.
The Judge’s Directive
In relation to the non-filling of open MBBS seats, the Himachal Pradesh High Court, presided over by Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, has rendered an important decision. The National Medical Commission and the Atal Medical University must each pay a compensation of Rs. 2 lakh, for a total of Rs. 4 lakhs, according the court’s order. Additionally, the commission and the institution will each be charged Rs 10,000. Four weeks have been given by the court to complete these financial duties. In addition, the court mandated that Sanjana Thakur, a petitioner from the Mandi district, be accepted to the MBBS programme.
History of the Case
In a plea submitted to the High Court, Sanjana Thakur requested admission to two open MBBS seats at Atal Medical University. According to the petitioner, the reason these seats remained vacant was because two candidates had submitted phoney paperwork. Sanjana Thakur qualified for admission based on merit with a NEET score of 508 points. A other applicant, Riya Singh, who earned 508 points as well, was admitted in its place. The petitioner contended that she should be given the chance to get admission because there are still two seats available.
The two seats had really remained vacant, according to the university administration, as a result of Karthik and Shivani Sharma submitting forged paperwork. In order to resolve this matter, the institution has written to the National Medical Commission on January 17, 2023, requesting that the open MBBS seats be filled.
Observations and Decision of the Court
The National Medical Commission or Atal Medical University had not submitted a response to the case, which surprised and alarmed the court given that MBBS programmes had begun in November 2022. In its ruling, the court made clear that the petitioner was unable to get timely admission to the MBBS programme as a result of the respondents’ careless behaviour. The National Medical Commission replied to the university’s reply on June 19, 2023, the court said, which was a significant delay. The response said that the petitioner was ineligible for admission at this time because the final day for MBBS admissions had been December 29, 2022.Â
The court found that the petitioner may have been admitted if the Commission had replied expeditiously. The petitioner was finally denied admission as a result of the Commission and the University’s reckless behaviour, which was criticised by the court.
Taking Action Against Illegal Waste Dumping
The unlawful dumping of rubbish in Seer Khad of Ghumarwin has been brought to the State High Court’s attention as another subject of public importance. The court ordered the Nagar Panchayat Ghumarvi to remove the rubbish and give a report along with photographic proof in response to a petition filed by a local citizen named Vikram Singh. This action demonstrates the court’s dedication to protecting the environment and following the laws governing trash management.
According to Vikram Singh’s appeal, the Nagar Panchayat Ghumarvi has been depositing trash on the banks of the Seer Khad without permission since 2021. No action has been taken to solve the problem despite complaints made to the DC Bilaspur, the State Government, and the Nagar Panchayat. The Solid Waste Control Rules of 2016 ban the disposal of sludge close to any water source, and the court has been notified that the Nagar Panchayat is in violation of these rules. However, the Nagar Panchayat has started the process of clearing the waste as a result of the case being filed in the High Court. To guarantee adequate waste management procedures, the petitioner has pleaded with the court to take necessary action against the Nagar Panchayat Ghumarvi.
The Himachal Pradesh High Court’s recent decision on the unfilled MBBS seats at Atal Medical University has highlighted the necessity for transparency and equitable practises in the medical education system. The court has emphasised the value of prompt admissions and the repercussions of neglect in the process by directing the National Medical Commission and the Atal Medical University to pay damages and admitting the petitioner to the MBBS programme. Additionally, the court’s involvement in the unlawful garbage disposal case demonstrates its dedication to protecting the environment and maintaining compliance with waste management standards.
