Holding

The Court held that strict adherence to the AIQ admission time‑schedule is mandatory, Section 10‑A seats must be counted in the 15% AIQ, and directed the Union, DGHS, MCI and States to comply with detailed procedural directives.

Summary

The petitioners, two minor students, feared loss of seats in the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) for MBBS/BDS courses because several states failed to adhere to the prescribed admission time‑schedule, causing vacancies to revert to state quotas. The Supreme Court examined whether the AIQ must be calculated including Section 10‑A seats, whether the time‑schedule is mandatory, and whether procedural reforms such as video‑conferencing and increasing the AIQ to 20% are warranted. It held that strict compliance with the time‑schedule is essential to ensure merit‑based admissions and prevent injustice to meritorious candidates. The Court directed that Section 10‑A seats be counted in the AIQ calculation and issued detailed directions for timely declaration of 10+2 results, reporting of vacancies, and adherence to counseling deadlines. It also ordered reports on the feasibility of video‑conferencing, the possibility of raising the AIQ to 20%, and the establishment of a high‑powered oversight committee. Consequently, the petition was allowed with comprehensive directions to the Union, DGHS, MCI and the States to implement the prescribed schedule and safeguards.

Issues considered

Whether the prescribed time‑schedule for AIQ admissions must be strictly adhered to by States and Union territories.
Whether seats created under Section 10‑A of the Indian Medical Council Act should be included in the calculation of the 15% AIQ.
Whether the AIQ percentage can be increased from 15% to 20% and the waiting‑list percentage from 70% to 100%.
Whether video‑conferencing can be employed for AIQ counseling.
Liability of State officials for non‑compliance with the schedule and the need for an ombudsman‑type oversight mechanism.

Legislation cited

Constitution of Indias. 14, s. 19
Graduate Medical Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2004
Indian Medical Council Act, 1956s. 10-A, s. 11, s. 33

Subjects

All India QuotaMedical admissionsTime scheduleSection 10-AVideo conferencingConstitutional lawEqualityMerit based admissionMedical Council of IndiaRegulatory compliance

Judgment

MRIDUL DHAR (MINOR) AND ANR. ,
A ...
v.
UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

JANUARY 12, 2005

B [Y.K. SABHARWAL, D.M. DHARMADHIKARI AND TARUN
CHATTERJEE, JJ.)

·Education:

C MBBSIBDS Courses-Admission to-Streamlining of-All India Quota
-Non adherence to the time schedule for completion of admission process-
Challenge to-Held: Timely action for entrance examination, declaration of
results and availability of mark sheets by CBSE and other education Boards
is of paramount importance for effective utilization of All India Quota of
medical and dental seats so that everyone has equal opportunity-State,
D Universities, Medical Colleges cannot deny total impartiality in the matter of
admission to professional colleges as seats are limited and system should be
so worked out that no meritorious student is left out-Declaration of result ,
and counseling for filling State quota should precede counseling for All India
quota so that those accommodated in the former may not have to run to Delhi
..
E from far off places-All concerned must observe norms issued by Supreme
Court from time to time-Officers who neglect or cause delay deserve
punishment-Ombudsman needed for efficient working of the system-
Directions issued-Constitution of India. Arts. 14, 19.

Non-adherence of time schedule for completion of admission process-
F Seats for All India Quota reverting to State Quota-Practice deprecated.

A Writ petition was filed on 10th July, 2004 by two students through
their father, apprehending that they may be deprived of seat in All India
Quota despite having achieved meritorious marks in All India Entrance
Examination as many States had not complied with the time schedule for
G completion of the admission process and had not given full information
to DGHS besides not taking into consideration many seats while working
out 15% All India Quota. In absence of the requisite correct information,
meritorious students looking for admission in this category on the basis
of August, 2004 wherein directions were passed requiring State
Government, DGHS, Ministry of Health, Medical Council of India to file
H 380
MRIDUL DHAR v. U.0.1. 381
affidavits giving the reasons for delay. A
On 9th Aug11st, 2004, directions were given to various States to
complete the first counseling of the State quota by 20th August and
thereafter to intimate to the DGHS the seats of All India 15% that may
become available as a result of such counseling. It was further directed B
that All India 15% quota would not revert back to the State quota till
further orders, despite the fact that the second counseling of the All India
15% quota may have been already over, its last dai ~ bdng 8th August
2004. On 3 lst August 2004, it was noticed that many colleges had not
supplied the requisite information. On 1st September, 2004 Court
permitted a limited continuation of the second counseling to only those, C
as per merit, who have not already been admitted in MBBS/BDS Course
in any of the Government Medical College in the country.

The aforesaid direction did not undo injustice to all the students
because only limited counseling was permitted but it was necessary to
adopt that course in larger interests of students and medical education as D
by reopening the entire counseling, there would have been considerable
amount of delay in commencement of course in various colleges.

Having regard to the utter chaos and confusion mainly on account
of non-adherence of the time schedule, parties were permitted to file E
suggestions so that directions could be issued to streamline admissions
from the next year.

Issuing certain directions, the Court

HELD: 1.1. Despite various d~cisions of this Court and laying down F
of time schedule for completion of admission process, the time schedule
has not been adhered to at various stages by various authorities resulting
in otherwise avoidable discontentment and hardship to the candidates. The
observance of the time schedule is paramount for effective utilization to
All India Quota of medical and dental seats. The denial of a seat in college G
of choice on the basis of one's merit position leads to frustration and results
in injustice to the young students. The omission and commission in respect
of admissions adversely affected the career of meritorious students in their
not getting admission in the college of their choice. Any frnstration and
feeling of injustice at an impressionable age at which the students compete
in All India Competition is neither desirable from the point of view of H
either the young students nor for country's future. [388-F-H]
382 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005] I S.C.R.

A 1.2. In various States, the first counseling and· admissions in respect
of State quota seats was not over, many States had not even commenced i. '
the process even though second round of counseling for allotment of seats
from waiting list for All India Quota becoming vacant, as a result of
candidates getting admission under State quota, was to commence on 1st
B August, to be completed by 8th August. The effect of the aforesaid inaction
and also not sending timely intimation to DGHS is to deprive those who
are high up in the merit list of All India Entrance Examination and waiting
to get admission in such vacated seats which otherwise would. l'e'lf;!rt back
to the State quota. The result is to effectively reduce 15% All lndi~-Quota
and reporting of vacant seats to DGHS. for admissions for 2004-05, full
c and complete justice could not be meted out to all meritorious students
regarding college of their choice as per their position in the merit list, on
account of the time frame and its all India consequences on admissions
and the possible result of extending the admissions much beyond the
schedule date contrary to the aforesaid statutory regulations and resulting
D in grant of midstream admissions. To an extent possible, the seats of All
India Quota should not revert to State Quota. In some cases deliberately
the time schedule is not adhered to so that more number of seats may
revert to State Quota. Such practice is deprecated with a fond hope that ,,-
such a practice would be discontinued failing which persons responsible
E therefor will have to face the consequences. Total impartiality is the need
of the time and not the so-called loyalty to the State. [394-A-EJ

2. The adherence to the time schedule by everyone is paramount for
the timely grant of admissions, commencement of academic session and
/for closure of the admissions after 30th September each year. In fact, the
F timely holding of 10+2 examination and declaration of its results is also
of paramount importance for the entire admission process. If the results
of CBSE or other equivalent examination are not declared well before the
commencement of.first round of counseling/admission of All India Quota
seats, i.e., 20th June, it is likely to adversely affect the candidates who may
otherwise be toppers in the All India Entrance Examination. The timely
G declaration of result will enable the students to take a decision about
participation in All India counseling or State counseling. By timely
declaration of the results of the State level entrance examination i.e. by
15th June, which is before the start of All India Quota counseling,
candidates and their parents can be saved from facing undesirable
H hardships. [394-G-H; 395-A; 396-D, Fl
3.1. For utilisation of All India Quota to its fullest extent, another
MRIDUL DHAR v. U.0.1. 383
vital stage of admission process is timely reporting to DGHS by Deans or A
any other authority whatever be the designation responsible for giving
information as to the joining and/or non-joining of students after first
round of counseling/admission of the State quota seats. The object of the
admission and last date of joining college in State Quota before the start
of second round of counseling or allotment of seat from waiting list in All B
India Quota clearly is that the correct factual position as to the availability
of the seats ought to be known to the DGHS before start of second round
of counseling. If it is not done number of seats would be lost to the merit
ranking candidates from All India Entrance Examination. They, though
otherwise entitled, would be deprived of those seats and to that extent All
India 15 per cent quota would stand reduced. Such seats get reverted to C
State quota for no fault of the candidates on All India Quota, thus,
reducing the All India Quota and increasing the State Quota. The
intimation is required to be sent to the DGHS well before the
commencement of second round of All India Quota counseling by it. The
details about the vacancy position shall be signed/counter signed by three
top functionaries responsible for admission to State Quota seats. D
1397-A, C-D, G)

,. 3.2. In respect of counseling of All India Quota seats conducted by
the DGHS at Delhi, with the advancement of IT technology, it should be
feasible to conduct counseling of outstation students by availing the E
facilities of video conferencing. (397-H; 398-A)

3.3. There is no difficulty in accepting the suggestion regarding
increase of waiting list from 70% to 100%, since its only effect ·is a little
additional paper work for the DGHS, without any adverse effect on
anybody and possibly the advantage may be to more number of candidates F
as per their merit position depending upon the availability of seats. The
suggestion for the increase of intake from 15% to 20% deserves to be first
examined by the Central Government and the DGHS in consultation with
States/Union Territories and report filed in this Court within four months
so that the issue can be examined with reference to admissions to be made
for All India Quota from the academic year 2006-07. (398-F-G) G

Dr. Pradeep Jain and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors., (i984) 3 SCC
654; Dr. Dinesh Kumar and Ors. (II) v. Moti/al Nehru Medical College,
Allahabad and Ors., (1985) 3 SCC 22; Dr. Dinesh Kumar and Ors. (II) v.
Motilal Nehru Medi~al College, Allahabad and Ors., (1985) SCC 727; H
384 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2005] 1 S.C.R.

A Saurabh Chaudri and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors., 120031 11 sec 146 i I

and Dr. Saurabh Chaudri and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors., 120041 5 SCC
618, referred to.

ORIGINAL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Writ Petition (C) No. 306

B
of 2004. ..
Mohan Parasaran and R. Mohan, Additional Solicitor Generals, Vivek
Tankha, A.K. Ganguly, Prashant Kumar, Ms. Pooja Dhar, Joseph Pookkatt,
Anurag Sharma, Rohan Thawani, M.K. Upadhyay, S. Wasim A. Qadri, Mohd.
Saud, Chander Prakash, Lakshmi Raman Singh, Pragati Nikhra Singh, D.K.
C Sinha, Jasbir Malik, S.K. Sabharwal, Vishwajit Singh, Ashok Kumar Singh,
K.C. Kaushik, Rahul Kaushik, S.C. Gupta, Ms. Pratibha Jain, Ugra Sharikar
Prasad, Goodwill Indeevar, Ms. Malim Poduval, Maninder Singh, Mrs.
Pratibha M. Singh, Angad Mirdha. Saurabh Mishra, Ms. Sandhya Goswami,
Ms. Sushma Suri, D.S. Mahra, Sakesh Kumar, S.K. Agnihotri, Bimal Roy
Jad, Ms. Sunita Pandit, Gopal Singh, _Anurag Sharma, Rituraj Biswas,
D Bhavanishankar V. Gadnis, Mrs. Sunita B. Rao, Mrs. Asha G. Nair, Ms.
Suparna Srivastava, Rajesh Srivastaya, Ms. Deepti Singh, Rahul Srivastava,
Subramonium Prasad, Abhay Kumar, Rahul, V. Senthil Kumar, Avatar Singh
Rawat, Addi.Advocate General for State of Uttaranchal, Jitendra Kr. Bhatia,
Ms. Rachana Srivastava, Govind Kaushik, J.S. Attri, Pramod Kumar Yadav
Krishna Sarma, J.R. Luwang, V.G. Pragasam, Upamanyu Hazarika, Satya
E Mitra, Aruneshwar Gupta, Addi. Advocate General for State of Rajasthan,
Naveen Kumar Singh, Ms. Shivangi, Mrs. Sunita R. Singh, B.B. Singh, Gopal
Prasad, Anand Shekhar, Mukesh K. Giri, Neeraj K. Jain, Sanjay Singh, Ms.
Kavita Wadia; Sanjay P. Hegde, Ms. Kamini Jaiswal, Saqib, Manoj Saxena.
S.K. Mittra, M.P. Meharia, Tara Chandra Sharma, Ms. Neelam Sharma, Ms.
p Shipra Ghosh, K.R. Sasiprabhu, Radha Shyam Jena, Ravindra Keshavrao
Adsure and K.L. Janjani for the appearing parties.

The Judgment of the Court was delivered by

Y.K. SABHARWAL, J. About two decades ago, on June 22, 1984 in
G Dr. Pradeep Jain and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors., (1984] 3 SCC 654,
it was directed that admissions in medical colleges or institutions run by the
Union of India or State Government or a Municipal or other local authorities
for MBBS and BOS courses to the extent of at least 30% shall be granted on
the basis of All India Entrance Examination and 50% in respect of post
graduate courses. The percentage of seats to be allotted on All India basis
H was modified in Dr. Dinesh Kumar and Ors., (II) v. Motilal Nehru Medical
MRI DUL DHAR v. U.O I. [SABHARWAL. J.] 385

. ~
College, Allahabad and Ors., (1985] 3 SCC 22 and in Dr. Dinesh Kumar &
Ors. (If) v. Motila/ Nehru Medical College, Allahabad and Ors., (1986] 3
A

SCC 727. For MBBS/BDS courses, the All India Quota was directed to be
15% of the total number of seats and 25% of total number of seats for post-
graduate courses. The percentage of post-graduate courses has been increased
to 50% Saurabh Chaudri and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors., (2003] 11
SCC 146. The higher percentage would be operational from the academic B
year 2005 Dr. Saurabh Chaudri and Ors. v. Union of India and Ors., [2004]
s sec 618].
J..
The question whether the All India Quota of MBBS/BDS courses shall
be increased from its present 15% is one aspect but the real and main aspect
to be considered is about giving full effect to 15% quota by including all
c
seats while working out 15% quota and by strictly adhering to the time
schedule by the State colleges and institutions.

The aforesaid aspects come to light when this petition was filed on I 0th
July, 2004 by two students through their father, as legal guardian, they being D
minors, apprehending that they may be deprived of seat in All India Quota
>:
despite having secured fairly high ranking on merits in All India Entrance
Examination taken by about 2,00,000 students. It was, inter a/ia, brought to
~ the notice of the Court that various States had not complied with the time
schedule for completion of the admission process and had not given full
information to DGHS besides not taking into consideration many seats while E
working out 15% All India Quota. On 29th July, 17 States/Union Territories
through their Chief Secretaries and Secretaries of their Health Department
were directed to supply to the Director General Health Services (DGHS), the
requisite information as to the date of the tests conducted by the States, the
dates of first counseling and the dates of joining of the candidates. This F

.. information was of paramount importance as the second counseling for the
allotment of 15% All India Quota was to commence from I st August. In
absence of the requisite correct information, meritorious students looking for
admission in this category on the basis of All India Entrance Examination
could be seriously prejudiced. The importance of the time frame has been
noticed in brief in the order dated 2nd August, 2004 which reads as under : G

.. "In Regulations (Graduate Medical Education (Amendment)
Regulations, 2004 published in the Gazette of India dated l st March,
2004, a time schedule for the completion of the admission procedure
for the First MBBS Course has been provided for (Appendix E). The
H
386 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005] I S.C.R.

A said time schedule provides that the second round of counseling for
allotment of seats from waiting list from All India Entrance
Examination shall be filled by the Central Government by 8th August.
lt also provides that first round of counseling/admission of seats filled
up by the state/governments/union territories/institutions shall be over
by 25th of July of each year. The time gap of two weeks between the
B first round of counseling/admission of seats by the State Governments/
Union Territories and second round of counseling for allotment of
seats from the All India quota seems to have been provided for so
that such of the students who, in the first instance may have got
admission out of the allocation by the Central Government, may
c change over to the seat allotted by the state government/union territory
so that seats becoming available would be known by the time the
second counseling by the Central Government is over. It appears that
the second round of counseling for allotment of Central Government
seats have already commenced with effect from 30th July. It further
appears that many of the State Governments/Union Territories have
D not even commenced the first counseling which was required to be
over by 25th of July. We direct the State Governments/Union
Territories to file affidavits giving details of the dates of counseling
and the reasons for delay. We may note that ordinarily the 15% seats
of the quota under All India Entrance Examination cannot be permitted
E to be made ineffective and many of the seats therefrom reverted back
to the States/Union Territories. The affidavits shall also be filed by
the Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health,
Government of India as also by the Medical Council of India. The
petitioners are also given opportunity to file additional affidavits. The
affidavits shall be filed within four days.
F
We wish and hope that at least by the next date of hearing the
first counseling by the State Governments/Union Territories would
be completed."

On 9th August, 2004, it was directed that in whichever State, the first
G counseling of the State quota seats in Government Medical Colleges is not
complete, it shall positively be completed by 20th August and latest by 21st
August, 2004, the seats of all India 15% that may become available as a
result of such counseling, shall be intimated to the DGHS, further directing •
that all India 15% quota would not revert back to the State quota till further
H orders, despite the fact that the second counseling of the all India 15% quota
7'·
MRIDUL DHAR v. U.O.l. [SABHARWAL, J.) 387
• J may have been already over, its last date being 8th August, 2004. On 31st A
August, 2004, it was noticed that out of 93 medical colleges participating and
contributing to 15% all India Medical quota, 15 colleges had not supplied the
requisite information and likewise out of25 dental colleges, five colleges had
not supplied the said information. These colleges were directed to supply the
requisite infonnation on that very day by 9.00 pm to the OOHS. The requisite
infonnation was supplied as noticed in the order dated !st September, 2004. B
Out of 1550 MBBS seats, 122 seats had fallen vacant and out of 144 seats
in dental colleges, 38 seats had fallen vacant. As a special case and without
it being treated as a precedent, the court pennitted a limited continuation of
the second counseling so as to minimize the hardship to the students but not
pennitting the continued second counseling to everyone but limiting it in the C
manner stated in the order as under :

"The continued second counseling would be confined to only those,
as per merit, who have not already been admitted in MBBS Course
in any of the Government Medical College in the country. Ifa student
has already been admitted there would be no question of such a D
student being pem1itted counseling again so as to change the medical
college with a view to get admission in some othu medical college.
The students who, as a result of the counseling already held, have
taken admission in Dental Colleges would, however, be permitted to
participate in the counseling for getting a chance for admission in the E
MBBS on their merit position. Further, as a consequence, certain
seats in Dental Colleges may fall vacant. They would be given as per
merit in the ranking in the All India Quota. We make it clear that
those admitted in MBBS would not be pennitted to change the college.
Those who have taken admission in Dental College would also not be
permitted to change one Dental College to another Dental College. F
The information about continued counseling would be given to all
concerned by publication in electronic and print media by DGHS.
The continued counseling must be over by 8th September, 2004. The
students must join by 13th September, 2004. It is necessary to adhere
to this schedule so that the remaining unfilled seats can revert and be G
filled by the State and only bare minimum number of seats may
lapse. The States shall also take timely action so that the seats to a
great extent may not lapse and all the admissions and joining by
students are over by 30th September, 2004.

We make it clear that under no circumstances, we are inclined to H
388 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005] I S.C.R.

A extend the date beyond 30th September, 2004. The order shall not be i. '
treated as a precedent so as to open floodgates of litigation in other
cases in the country.

To consider the issue of further directions for the next academic year,
list the matter on 5th October, 2004."
B
The aforesaid direction did not undo injustice to all the students because
we permitted only limited counseling but it was necessary to adopt that
course in larger interests of students and medical education as by reopening
the entire counseling, there would have been considerable amount of delay
in commencement of course in various colleges. The admission process could
C have gone on till end of the year and that is why permission was granted for
only limited counseling.

Having regard to the utter chaos and confusion mainly on account of
non-adherence of the time schedule, we permitted parties to file suggestions
so that directions could be issued to streamline admissions from the next
D year. The suggestions have been filed by the Ministry of Health, Government
of India, Medical Council of India and some individual parents. We have
heard Mr. Mohan Parasaran, learned Additional Solicitor General, appearing
for the Central Government, Mr. Vivek Tankha, Advocate who placed before
us the point of view of students and medical colleges, Mr. Maninder Singh,
E Advocate representing Medical Council of India (MCI), Mr. A.K. Ganguly
for West Bengal Government and Mr. Minocha-in-person.

It is a matter of anguish that despite various decisions of this Court and
laying down of time schedule for completion of admission process, the time
schedule has not been adhered to at various stages by various authorities
F resulting in otherwise avoidable discontentment and hardship to the candidates.
The observance of the time schedule is paramount for effective utilization to
All India Quota of medical and dental seats. The denial of a seat in college
of choice on the basis of one's merit position leads to frustration and results
in injustice to the young students. The admission to a professional course
G based on merit position is paramount for the career of a student. The omission
and commission in respect of admissions this year, as is evident from orders
aforenoted, adversely affected the career of meritorious students in their not
getting admission in the college of their choice. Any frustration and feeling
of injustice at an impressionable age at which the students compete in All
•
India Competition is neither desirable from the point of view of either the
H young students nor for country's future. We are concerned with the career of
MRIDUL DHAR v. U.0.1. [SABHARWAL, .I.] 389
those bright candidates who compete in a tough all India competition. In this A
background, it is necessary to examine the acts of omission and commission
at various levels, the suggestions that have been made and submissions put
forth, to consider the issuance of directions for streamlining admissions from
the next academic year in MBBS/BDS courses.

In Medical Council of India v. Madhu Singh and Ors., [2002] 7 SCC B
258, while making it clear that no admissions can be granted after the scheduled
date, which essentially should be the date for commencement of the course,
MCI was directed to ensure that the examining bodies fix a time schedule
specifying the duration of the course, the date of its commencement and the
last date for admission. It was further directed that different modalities for C
admission can be worked out and necessary steps like holding of examination
if prescribed, counseling and the like have to be completed within the specified
time and no variation of the schedule so far as admissions are concerned shall
be allowed. In case of any deviation by the institution concerned, action as
prescribed shall be taken by MCI.
D
The Ministry of Health of Family Welfare, Government of India
convened a meeting of the State Health/Medical Education Secretaries and
the Vice-Chancellors of the universities of health sciences and as a result of
discussion issued a directive dated 14th May, 2003 to the Secretaries of
Health and Medical Education in all the States and Union Territories and to
all universities awarding medical/dental degrees laying down the policy E
guidelines on admission of students and other allied matters, inter alia, having
regard to the decision in Madhu Singh 's case (supra), laying down the schedule
for completion of the various stages of admission process, commencing of
academic session and closure of admissions in courses of medicine and
dentistry to be applicable to all medical and dental colleges in the country F
from the academic session 2003-04 onwards. All State Governments,
·+- universities, medical and dental institutions in the country and any other
authorities concerned were directed to strictly abide by the time frame for
completion of each of the stages of admission process indicated in the time
schedule. It also directed that neither any student shall be admitted in any
course of medicine or dentistry after expiry of the last date prescribed for G
course of admission in that course nor any university shall register any such
admission sought to be made. The State Governments were directed to take
all necessary steps to prevent deviation from the prescribed schedule.

The directive dated 14th May, 2003 also stipulates the cancellation of H
390 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005] I S.C.R.

A admission granted after the last date of closure of admission and warns the
candidates of the consequences of taking admission after the last date for x' '
closure of admissions. Paragraphs 8.4 and 8.5 of the directive read as under:

"8.4. In exercise of the powers conferred by the Hon'ble Supreme
Court, the Medical Council of India or the Dental Council of India
B may direct that any student identified as having obtained admission
after the last date for closure of admission be discharged from the
course of study; or any medical or dental qualification granted to
such a student shall not be a recognized qualification for the purpose
of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 or the Dentist Act, 1948, as
the case may be. The Institution which grants admission to any student
c after the last date prescribed for the same shall also be liable to face
such action as may be prescribed by MCI or DCI.

8.5. The Time Schedule for completion of the admission process as
in the Annexure shall also be printed in the Bulletin of Information
D for the candidates or the Prospectus for admission to the concerned
course. The candidates shall be clearly warned of the consequences
of taking admission in any institution after the last date for closure of
admissions."

The time schedule for completion of the admission process for medical
E and dental courses is as under :
Reference may also be made to notification dated 25th February, 2004
issued by the Medical Council of India in exercise of the powers conferred
by Section 33 of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 (for short, 'the Act')
with the approval of the Central Government, making the "Graduate Medical
F Education (Amendment) Regulations, 2004, laying down the time schedule
for completion for admission process for first MBBS course. It is on same
lines as the aforequoted time schedule. Time schedule (Appendix-E) to the
regulation reads as under : (See pp. 391)
"Schedule for First MBBS/BDS Course Postcrraduate Courses Super
Admission All India State All India State Quota Speciality
Quota Quota Quota Course
Conduct of Entrance Month of Month of 2nd Sunday Mid Jan. To May-June
Examination: May May of January Mid-Feb.

Declaration of Result By 5th June By 15th June 3rd Week of By 28th By 30th June
of Qualifying Exam. Feb. Feb.
/Entrance Exam.
I st round of counseling/ 20th to 29th To be over 5th March to To be over To be over by
admission: June byl 7th July 22nd March by 25th April 25th July

Last date for joining 18th July @ 29th July 7th April. !st May 3 lst July
the allotted College
and Course:

2nd round of counseling Olst August 25th to 28th No 2nd No 2nd No 2nd
or allotment of seats to 08th August Counseling Counseling Counseling
from Waiting List: August

Last date for joining 22nd August 30th After 7th Not Not
0
for candidates allotted (Seats August April, applicable applicable
seats in 2nd round vacant after vacant
of Counseling or from this date will seats will
the Waiting List: be stand
surrendered surrendered
back to the back to the
State/ States/
Colleges) Colleges

Commencement of Between 0 I st August to 02nd May Olst August
academic session: 31st August

Last date up to which 30th September 3 lst May 30th
students can be September
admitted against
vacancies arising
due to any reason:

NOTE : @ Head of the Colleges should intimate the vacancies existing after 18th July in respect of the All
India Quota of seats to the DGHS latest by 25th of July."
MRIDUL DHAR v. U.0.1. [SABHARWAL, J.] 393
)
Ji: "APPENDIX-E A
TIME SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETION OF THE ADMISSION
PROCESS FOR FIRST MBBS COURSE

Schedule for Admission Seats filled up by Seats filled up by
Central Govt. through The State Govts./ B
All India Entrance Institutions'
Examination
... Conduct of Entrance Month of May Month of May
~ Examination

Declaration of Result of c
Qualifying Exam./
Entrance Exam. By 5th June By 15th June

I st round of counseling/ To be over by To be over by
admission: 30th June 25th July D
(-
Last date for joining the
•i allotted College Within 15th days 3 lst July
And Course: from date of allotment
of seats
E
2nd round of counseling To be over by 8th Up to 28th
for allotment of seats August August
from Waiting List :

Last date for joining for Within 15 days from 3 lst August F
candidates allotted Seats the date of allotment
in 2nd round of of seat (Seats vacant
counseling from the after 22nd August will
Waiting List be surrendered Back to
the States/Colleges)
Commencement of G
academic session : I st of August
Last date up to which
students can be admitted 30th September"
Against vacancies arising
due to any reason :
H
394 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005] I S.C.R.

A In various States, the first counseling and admissions in respect of State :t-'
quota seats was not over, many States had not even commenced the process
even though second round of counseling for allotment of seats from waiting
list for All India Quota becoming vacant, as a result of candidates getting
admission under State quota, was to commen~e on I st August, to be completed
by 8th August. The effect of the aforesaid inaction and also not sending
B timely intimation to DGHS is to deprive those who are high up in the merit
list of All India Entrance Examination and waiting to get admission in such
vacated seats which otherwise would revert back to the State quota. The
;.
result is to effectively reduce 15% All India Quota and increase State quota
seats. Directions that were issued to get requisite information from various ~

c States in respect of holding of counseling, and reporting of vacant seats to
DGHS for admissions for 2004-05 have been earlier noticed. As stated above,
despite such directions full and complete justice could not be meted out to
all meritorious students regarding college of their choice as per their position
in the merit list, on account of the time frame and its all India consequences
on admissions and the possible result of extending the admissions much
D beyond the schedule date contrary to the aforesaid statutory regulations and
resulting in grant of midstream admissions. To an extent possible, the seats A

of All India Quota should not revert to Sta~e Quota. It was brought to our
notice that in some cases deliberately the time schedule is not adhered to so •
that more number of seats may revert to State Quota. If that be so, we
E deprecate the practice with a fond hope that such a practice would be
discontinued failing which persons responsible therefor will have to face the
consequences. The total impartiality is the need of the time and not the so-
called loyalty to the State.

The academic session commences between \st August and 31st August
F and the last date for joining MBBS/BDS courses is 30th August. However,
students can be admitted against vacancies arising due to any reason by 30th '+
September. The date 30th September is not for normal admission but is to
give opportunity to grant admissions against stray vacancies. The adherence
to the time schedule by everyone is paramount for the timely grant of
admissions, commencement of academic session and for closure of the
G admissions after 30th September each year. In fact, the timely holding of
!o+2 examination and declaration of its results is also of paramount importance
for the entire admission process. If the results of CBSE or other equivalent
examination are not declared well before the commencement of first round
of counseling/admission of All India Quota seats, i.e., 20th June, it is likely
H to adversely affect the candidates who may otherwise be toppers in the All
MRIDUL DHAR v. U.0.1. [SABHARWAL, J.) 395
I _\,· India Entrance Examination. A candidate may be in the first 200 position, out A
of about 2,00,000 candidates in the merit ranking but if the results of his
qualifying examination of CBSE or its equivalent are not available to him or
to DGHS responsible for counseling, the candidate would lose chance to get
admission in college of his choice despite his merit position.

Government of India has suggested that for effective implementation of B
scheme for allotment of 15% all India seats for medical and dental colleges,
it is imperative that all participating State and Union Territory Boards of
Secondary Education must declare 10+2 result well in advance, at least one
week before start of first round of counseling. This suggestion was given as
West Bengal Secondary Education Board did not declare 10+2 examination C
result of their candidates before start of first round of counseling of 15% All
India Quota during 2003 and 2004. Due to non-declaration of result, a couple
of candidates qualifying in CBSE merit list could not appear in the first
round of counseling. In this competitive world, real struggle of students for
their career, in almost all the fields, starts after passing 10+2 examination.
The results of this examination is important for almost all competitions. D
Therefore, the timely holding of these examinations and timely declaration of
result is of utmost importance, in particular, by all participating States and
Union Territories in All India Entrance Examination for medical and dental
seats. It is imperative that the CBSE or equivalent results are declared and the
mark-sheets are made available to the candidates not later than five days E
before the commencement of first round of counseling. In other words, the
mark-sheet shall be made available to the candidates by 15th June. A candidate
may have to travel long distance to participate in the counseling which
commences at Delhi from 20th June. In response to directions of this Covt
suggesting timely holding of IO+2 examination by all States/Union Territories
so that the results thereof are not delayed beyond I 0th June, at least from the F
year 2005, the only State Government which has put forth difficulties in so
doing is the State of West Bengal.

The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education has stated
that Schedule for 2005 examinations has already been announced on 27th
July, 2004, according to which, the theory examination for higher secondary G
conclude on 11th April, 2005 and it takes three months therefrom to publish
the results. As per this schedule, the results would be declared by I Ith July,
2005. It also states that if the dates for board examination for class XII are
advanced, the students will face mental trauma due to lack of preparation.
We are not suggesting the advancement of the date for the year 2005 for H
396 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005] I S.C.R.

A holding board examination for class XII. By maintaining the dates already
fixed, if not the result of all students, at least the results of those who participate
in the All India Entrance Examination and are in high merit ranking can be
declared and mark-sheets made available to them by 15th June so as to
enable them to participate in the first counseling in All India Quota. Going
B by the past figures, the candidates requiring such facility may be only about
100. Only the candidates in the merit list up to 2500 may need such a facility
and cooperation from the State Authorities. From the year 2006, the State
Government/West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education shall
arrange its affairs in such a manner that the examinations are held timely,
results are declared by I0th June and mark sheets made available to the
C students by 15th June. The other States/Union Territories would ensure
declaration of result by I0th June and availability of mark sheet to the students
by 15th June from the academic year 2005.

Another connected aspect is declaration of result of qualifying
Examination/Entrance Examination for State quota seats. The State
D Governments, as per the time schedule are required to declare the said results
by 15th June of every year. The timely declaration of result will enable the
students to take a decision about participation in All hdia counseling or State
counseling. The Central Government has rightly pointed out that due to late
declaration of result of State level entrance examination, candidates and their
E parents travel from all over the country to participate in All India Quota
Counseling which is conducted in Delhi and then travel to allotted medical/
dental colleges. Later on, if the candidates get admission in the colleges of
their choice in their respective States through State counseling, they have to
travel back to the college allotted through All India Quota to get their college
leaving certificate and other documents which are deposited with allotted
F college before joining the State college. By timely declaration of the results
of the State level entrance examination i.e. by 15th June, which is before the
start of All India Quota counseling, candidates and their parents can be saved
from facing undesirable hardships.

We see no reasons for non-observance of the time schedule which has
G been provided after discussion with all the States' functionaries. The Chief
Secretaries and Head of concerned Ministries/Departments in participating
States/Union Territories shall file affidavits before this Court within four
weeks placing on record time table in regard to holding of State examination
and declaration of results thereof on or before 15th June, 2005.
H
-f,

MRIDUL DHAR v. U.O.L [SABHARWAL. J.] 397
)
~ For utilisation of All India Quota to its fullest extent, another vital stage A
of admission process is timely reporting to DGHS by Deans or any other
authority whatever be the designation responsible for giving information as
to the joining and/or non-joining of students after first round of counseling/
admission of the State quota seats. The counseling for allocation of seats of
All India Quota is conducted by DGHS at Delhi. The reporting to be made
to DGHS has to be sincere and accurate as wrong reporting has chain reaction.
B
'
As per time schedule, the first round of counseling for State Quota is to be
over by 17th July. There is no reason why this time schedule shall not be
... adhered to. After this counseling, the last date for joining the allotted college
~ and course under State Quota is 29th July. The object of the admission and
last date of joining college in State Quota before the start of second round c
of counseling or allotment of seat from waiting list in All India Quota clearly
is that the correct factual position as to the availability of the seats ought to
be known to the DGHS before start of second round of counseling. If it is
not done, number of seats would be lost to the merit ranking candidates from
All India Entrance Examination. They, though otherwise entitled, would be
deprived of those seats and to that extent All India 15 per cent quota would D
stand reduced. Such seats get reverted to State quota for no fault of the
?'
candidates on All India Quota, thus, reducing the All India Quota and
1 increasing the State Quota. The Head of the Colleges are required to intimate
their vacancies existing after 18th July in respect of All India Quota seats to
the DGHS by 25th July. This gives about a week to the DGHS before it starts E
second round of counseling on I st August. This year (2004) it was found that
the time schedule in this regard by most of the States, was not complied. As
per Appendix-E to the notification dated 25th February, 2004, the first round
of counseling/admission of seats filled up by State Governments/Institution
is to be over by 25th July. For State Quota seats, one week after completion
of first round of counseling to join the allotted college is sufficient. The date F
+ 29th July, mentioned in the time schedule attached to the directive dated 14th
May, 2003 shall be suitably changed and the date 25th July shall be mentioned
to make it consistent with the date mentioned in the notification dated 25th
February, 2004. The intimation is required to be sent to the DGHS well
before the commencement of second round of All India Quota counseling by G
it. The details about the vacancy position shall be signed/counter signed by
three top functionaries responsible for admission of State Quota seats.
)(,

To an extent possible, all possible facilities shall be afforded to students
and their parents. Due advantage can be taken of advanced LT. technology.
In respect of counseling of All India Quota seats conducted by the DGHS at H
>-·
' \

398 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005) I S.C.R.

A Delhi, with the advancement of IT technology, it should be feasible to conduct
counseling of outstation students by availing the facilities of video
conferencing. It seems that every State capital has the facility of video
conferencing. The use of this facility would save time and money of not only
the candidates and their parents but in the long term, it may be beneficial to
B the DGHS as well. Counseling by the video conferencing can commence
from the year 2005, making a beginning from 20th June, 2005. Before issue
of directions in this regard, we deem it proper to direct that this aspect be
examined first by the Ministry of Health, the DGHS and the States/Union
Territories officers in consultation with the officers of National Informatics •
Centre (NIC) and a report filed thereafter in this Court. Final directions will
C be issued on consideration of the report.

We may also note suggestions of Mr. Arun Minocha, father and legal
guardian of one of the students that intake of All India Quota shall be increased
from 15% to 20% and the number of candidates to be placed on waiting list
deserves to be increased from present 70% to I00% so that in case of
D availability of seats, the same may not go waste and the candidates on merit
list are in a position to utilize the All India Quota to the fullest extent.
According to him, having regard to the fact that many seats in medical and
dental course, though existing as having been enhanced many years earlier,
were not taken into consideration while working All India Quota of 15% and
E the original direction in Dr. Pradeep Jain's case (supra) was of 30% reduced
later to 15% in case of Dr. Dinesh.Kumar's case and Post-graduate seats
having been increased from 25% to 50% and two decades having passed, the
All India Quota deserves to be increased. We have no difficulty in accepting
the suggestion regarding increase of waiting list from 70% to 100%, since its
only effect is a little additional paper work for the DGHS, without any adverse
F effect on anybody and possibly the advantage may be to more number of
candidates as per their merit position depending upon the availability of
seats. Regarding the suggestion for the increase of intake from 15% to 20%,
we are of the view that it deserves to be first examined by the Central
Government and the DGHS in consultation with States/Union Territories and
G report filed in this Court within four months so that the issue can be examined
with reference to admissions to be made for All lndia Quota from the academic
year 2006-07.

Yet another issue is about not taking into consideration, for determining
All India Quota, those seats which are created under Section 10-A of the Act.
H In the writ petition, number of seats which were not taken into consideration
MRIDUL DHAR v. U.O.l. (SABHARW AL. J.] 399
\ have been mentioned. According to MCI, only seats recognized under Section A
I I are taken into consideration and not seats which are permitted under
Section IO-A of the Act. For deciding this issue, it is necessary to examine
the provisions of the Act and the Regulations issued thereunder. Another
connected issue also is regarding the establishment/renewal granted to medical
and dental colleges including grant of permission to increase intake of the
... students. There is also the issue about the allocation of seats in respect of B
which, the letter granting permission is issued as per ti.-e , ::!i.edule by the
... Central Government by 15th July .
..... Section I O(A) of the Act which was inserted by the Indian Medical
Council (Amendment) Act, 1993 (Act 31 of 1993) with effect from 27th
August, 1992, makes it imperative to seek permission for establishment of a
c
new medical college, new course of study. !n view of this Section, with effect
from 1st June, 1992 prior permission is necessary. Section IO(A), inter a/ia,
provides that notwithstanding anything contained in the Act or any other law
for the time being in force -
D
.,.. (a) no person shall establish a medical college; or

(b) no medical college shall -
1
(i) open a new or higher course of study or training (including a
postgraduate course of study or training) which would enable a
student of such course or training to qualify himself for the E
award of any recognized medical qualification; or
(ii) increase its admission capacity in any course of study or training
(including a postgraduate course of study or training), except
with the previous permission of the Central Government obtained
in accordance with the provision~ of this section. F
Section I 0-A (2) (a) provides that every person or medical college
shall, for the purpose of obtaining permission under sub-section (I) submit
to the Central Government a scheme in accordance with the provisions of
clause (b) and the Central Government shall refer the scheme to the Council
for its recommendations. G
Along with Section JO-A, clause (fa) was also inserted in Section 33 to
empower MCI to make regulations to provide for the form of the scheme, the
particulars to be given in such scheme, the manner in which the scheme is
to be preferred and the fee payable with the scheme under clause (b) of sub- H
400 SUPREME COURT REPORTS

A section (2) of Section l 0-A.
[2005] I S.C.R.
.
)-

Section 11 ( l) of the Act, inter alia, provides that medical qualifications
granted by any University or medical institution in India which are included
in the First Schedule shall be recognised medical qualifications for the purposes
of this Act. Section 11 (2) provides that any University or medical institution
B in India which grants a medical qualification not included in the First Schedule
may apply to the Central Government to have such qualification recognised,
and the Central Government, after consulting Council, may, by notification
in the Official Gazettee, amend the First Schedule so as to include such
qualification therein, and any such notification may also direct that an entry
C shall be made in the last column of the First Schedule against such medical
qualification declaring that it shall be a recognized medical qualification only
when granted after a specified date.

In exercise of the powers conferred by Section l 0-A read with Section
33 of the Act, the MCI made the establishment of new medical colleges,
D opening of higher courses of study and increase of admission capacity in
Medical College Regulation, 1993. The Regulations, inter alia, provided as
a qualifying criteria that the eligible organization shali abide by Indian Medical
Council Act, 1956 as modified from time to time and the regulations framed
thereunder and shall qualify to apply for permission to establish new medical
colleges only if the conditions therein are fulfilled. One of the conditions is
E that Essential Certificate regarding the desirability and feasibility of having
the proposed medical college at the proposed location has been obtained and
that the adequate clinical material is available as per Medical Council of
India requirements has been obtained by the applicant from the respective
State Government or the Union Territory Administration. It also provides
p that the applicant owns and manages a hospital of not less than 300 beds with
necessary infrastructural facilities and capable of being developed into a
teaching institution as prescribed by the Medical Council of India, in the
vicinity of proposed medical college. The MCI has also made the Establishment
of Medical College Regulations, 1999 in exercise of powers conferred by
Section I 0-A and Section 33 of the Act, inter alia, prescribing the form of
G Essentiality Certificate as a qualifying criteria to make application for
permission to establish a medical college. These Regulations stipulate that
Essentiality Certificate in Form-2 regarding No objection of the State
Government/Union Territory Administration for the establishment of the
proposed medical college at the proposed site and availability of adequate
H clinical material as per the council regulations, have been obtained by the
MRIDUL DHAR v. U.0.1. [SABHAR\'/ AL. J.] 401
person from the concerned State Government/Union Territory Administration. A
The Form of Essentiality Certificate requires a Certificate from the Competent
Authority to the following effect :

"It is certified that:-

(a) The applicant owns and manages a 300 bedded hospital which B
was established in .............. .
(b) it is desirable to establish a medical college in the public interest.
(c) Establishment of a medical college at... ............ by (the name of
Society/Trust) is feasible.
(d) Adequate clinical material as per the Medical Council of India
c
norms is available.
It is further r.ertified that in case the applicant fails to create
infrastructure for the medical college as per MCI norms and fresh
admissions are stopped by the Central Government, the State D
Government shall take over the responsibility of the students already
admitted in the College with the permission of the Central
..,. Government."

1 The time schedule for the receipt of applications for establishment of
new medical colleges and processing of the applications by Central E
Government and the Medical Council of India is fixed under the schedule to
'I 999 Regulations. The said schedule is as under:-

"SCHEDULE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS FOR
ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW MEDICAL COLLEGES AND
PROCESSING OF THE APPLICATIONS BY THE CENTRAL F
GOVERNMENT AND THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF INDIA

Stage of Processing Last date

I. Receipt of applications by the Central From I st August to
Govt. 3 I st August (both G
days inclusive) of any
year

2. Receipt of applications by the MCI from 30th September
Central Govt.
H
402 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005) I S.C.R.

A '~. Recommendations of Medical Council of 31st December
India to Central Government for issue of '
~

Letter of Intent

4. Issue of Letter of Intent by the Central 31st January
Government
B
5. Receipt of reply from the applicant by 28th February
the Central Government requesting for
Letter of Permission ~

c 6. Receipt of Letter from Central 15th March
·~

Government by the Medical Council
of India for consideration for issue
of Letter of Permission

7. Recommendations of Medical Council 15th June
D of India to Central Government for
issue of Letter of Permission
~

8. Issue of Letter of Permission by 15th July
the Central Government ..
E
Note: (1) The information given by the applicant in Part-I of the application
for setting up a medical college that is information regarding
organization, basic infrastructural facilities, managerial and
financial capabilities of the applicant shall be scrutinized by the
Medical Council of India through an inspection and thereafter
F the Council may recommend issue of Letter of intent by the
Central Government.
(2) Renewal of permission shall not be granted to a medical college
ifthe above schedule for opening a medical college is not adhered
to and admissions shall not be made without prior approval of
G the Central Government."
According to Regulation 8 (3) of 1999 Regulations, the permission to
establish a medical college and admit students may be granted initially for a
period of one year and may be renewed on yearly basis subject to verification
of the achievements of annual targets. It shall be the responsibility of the
H person to apply to the Medical Council of India for purpose of renewal six
+
MRIDUL DHAR v. U.0.1. [SABHARWAL, J.) 403
months prior to the expiry of the initial permission. This process of renewal A
of permission will continue till such time the establishment of the medical
college and expansion of the hospital facilities are completed and a formal
recognition of the medical college is granted. Further admissions shall not be
made at any stage unless the requirements of the Council are fulfilled. The
Central Government may at any stage convey the deficiencies to the applicant B
and provide him an opportunity and time to rectify the deficiencies.

It cannot be doubted that proper facilities and infrastructure including
teaching faculty and Doctors is absolutely necessary and so also the adherence
to time schedule for imparting teaching of highest standards thereby making
available to the community best possible medical practitioners. It cannot be C
said that such facilities are not insisted upon for Section I 0-A seats. No
instance has been brought to our notice where Section I 0-A seat in a
Government college has not been recognized under Section 11. The All India
Quota seats are applicable only to Government colleges. In many colleges,
full-fledged seats for all intent and purposes in so far as medical education
is concerned, whether in a new medical college or increase intake in an D
existing college, are continuing as 10-A seats. Prima facie, we see no reason
why such seats shall not be taken into consideration for calculating 15%
share of All India Quota. The 15% quota seats get substantially reduced by
not taking into account Section I 0-A seats. We direct the Central Government,
DGHS and MCI to examine this aspect in detail and submit a report, on E
consideration whereof we would finally decide the matter regarding inclusion
of Section 10-A seats for working out 15% All India Quota.

The time schedule for post-graduate and super speciality course
admissions may also be noted as under :
F
"TIME SCHEDULE FOR POSTGRADUATE AND
SUPERSPECIALITY COURSES ADMISSIONS

Schedule for Postgraduate Courses Super-speciality
admission All India Quota State Quota Course
G
Conduct of 2nd Sunday of Mid-Jan May-
entrance January Mid-Feb. June
examination

Declaration 3rd week of feb By 28th By 30th June
H
404 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005] I S.C.R.

A of result of February
qualifying exam,
I st round of 5th March to 22nd To be over by To be over by
counseling/ March 25th April. :?5th July.
admissions

B
Last date for 7th April. 1st May. 31st July.
joining the
allotted college
j
and course
..,.
c 2nd round of No 2nd No 2nd No 2nd
counseling or counseling counseling counseling
allotment of
seats from
waiting list.
D
Last date for After 7th April Not applicable Not applicable
joining for vacant seats will
candidates stand surrendered
allotted seats back to the states
in 2nd round /colleges
E
of counseling
or from the
waiting list.

Commencement 2nd May 1st August
F of academic
session

Last date up to 31st May 30th September"
which students
G can be admitted
against vacancies
arising due to any
reason
Having regard to the professional courses into consideration, it deserves
H to be emphasized that all concerned including Governments, State and Central
MRIDUL DHAR v. U.0.1. [SABHARWAL, J.] 405
both, MCl/DCI, colleges, new or old, students, Boards, universities, examining A
authorities etc. are required to strictly adhere to time schedule wherever
provided for; there should not be mid-stream admission; admission should
not be in excess of sanctioned intake capacity or in excess of quota of any
one, whether Stare or Management. The carrying forward of any unfilled
seats of one academic year to next academic year is also not permissible.
B
Before we come to matter of issue of directions, some other small
aspects may also be considered. All seats under All India Quota deserve to
be fully disclosed and published by a date to be specified by the DGHS so
that at a glance, if required, it may be possible to verify whether the said
quota has been correctly worked out or not. The States shall file compliance C
report in regard to admission with the DGHS about annual admissions
indicating adherence to the schedule and the seats taken into consideration
for working out All India Quota and giving details of other seats. The
compliance report shall give details of filling up of seats with names of
students admitted and dates of admission. It shall be signed by the Principal/
Director or Head of the medical institution by whatever name called and by D
Vice-Chancellor. The recalcitrant States, particularly officers personally will
have to face consequences.

i It was suggested by Mr. Tankha that MCl/DCI and also colleges shall
be made answerable to a high-powered Committee which may be directed to
be constituted for not following a fair and transparent procedure in its duties E
and obligation including carrying out inspections and sending reports by
MCl/DCI to the Central Government on the basis whereof the requisite
recognition is granted and to also look into other medical admissions related
matters and matters relating to establishment of medical colleges and increase
of intake etc. Various petitions are pending in this Court where grievance p
have been made in regard to inspections carried out by MCI/DC! and other
aspects pointed out by learned senior counsel. The suggestion made about
constituting a body like Ombudsman to which above authorities may be
answerable deserves to be examined in depth by Ministry of Health and a
report submitted to this Court.
G
Having regard to the aforesaid, we issue the following directions:-

I. All participating States and Union Territories, Board of Secondary
Education shall declare I 0 + 2 result by I 0th June of every year
and make available the marksheet to the students by 15th June.
H

.
406 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2005] I S.C.R.

A The aforesaid condition would not apply to West Bengal for the
year 2005. As already noticed, the West Bengal would make ~ I

available to the concerned students the marksheets by 15th June,
2005.

Heads of Boards would be personally liable to ensure compliance.
B 2. The time table mentioned in Notification dated 25th February,
2004 shall be strictly adhered to by all concerned including States
and Union Territories and results of State Medical/Dental Entrance
Examination shall be declared before 15th of June.
•
3. The States./Union Territories shall complete the admission process
c of first round of State Level Medical/Dental College admission
"f

by 25th July i.e. a week before start of second round counseling
or allotment of seats under All India Quota. The correct vacancy
position shall be intimated by the Chief Secretary to the DGHS
by 26th July. It shall be verified by the Head of the Institution/
D or Head of the Medical Institution/Health Department in the State.
4. It shall be the responsibility of all concerned including Chief
Secretaries of each State/Union Territories and/or Health ,,,
Secretaries to ensure compliance of the directions of this Court
and requisite time schedule as laid down in the Regulations and •
non-compliance would make them liable for requisite penal
E
consequences.
5. All seats in All India Quota must be fully disclosed giving details
of the date of recognition/renewal to DGHS before a date to be
notified by DGHS and the same shall be duly published.

F 6. By 31st October, the State through Chief Secretaries/Health
Secretaries shall file a report in regard to admissions with the
DGHS giving details about the adherence to a time schedule and ~
admission granted as per the prescribed quota. The recalcitrant
States, particularly officers personally will have to face
consequences for violation.
G
7. The DGHS shall file by 3 lst January, 2005 report in regard to
feasibility of conducting counseling through the process of video
conferencing.
••
8. The DGHS shall file report within three months on the aspect of
H Section 10-A seats being subjected to 15 per cent All India Quota
-
~

•
..-
MRJDUL DHAR v. U.O.l. [SABHARWAL . .I.] 407
and about the increase of the quota from 15 per cent to 20 per A
cent.
9. The DG HS shall also file a report within three months on the
aspect of constitution of high-power Committee/Ombudsman.
10. The seats allotted upto 15th July, shall also be subjected to
respective State Quotas. B
11. If any private medical college in a given academic year for any
reason grants admission in its management quota in excess of its
~
prescribed quota, the management quota for the next academic
~ year shall stand reduced so as to set off the effect of excess
admission in the management quota in the previous academic c
year.
12. The time schedule for grant of admission to postgraduate courses
shall also be adhered to.
13. For granting admission, the merit determined by competitive
D
examination shall not be tinkered with by making a provision
like grant of marks by mode of interview or any other mode.
'"f
14. time schedule for establishment of new college or to increase
" intake in existing college, shall be adhered to strictly by .all
concerned.
E
15. Time schedule provided in Regulations shall be strictly adhered
to by all concerned failing which defaulting party would be liable
to be personally proceeded with.
16. Copy of the judgment shall be sent to Chief Secretaries of all
States/Union Territories for compliance. F
List the case in 3rd week of February, 2005.

D.G. Matters are Pending.