Summary
The Court permitted the college to admit up to 150 MBBS students for 2017–2018 where the comprehensive earlier inspection showed only permissible marginal deficiencies and the authorities failed to justify a second inspection or properly reconsider the record. Exercising Article 142 in the peculiar circumstances, it extended that college’s admission deadline to 5 September 2017. Future lawful inspections and action after opportunity remained available.
Issues
- Whether the authorities had fairly addressed the earlier favourable assessment and need for a second inspection.
- Whether case-specific admission relief and extension of the deadline were warranted.
Held
- The November inspection did concern 2017–2018 permission; the contrary contention was rejected. Faculty and resident shortages were marginal and permissible, as acknowledged by the Oversight Committee and the competent authority. (¶ 9–12)
- Multiple inspections were not prohibited, but when the second surprise assessment shortly after a comprehensive report was questioned, the authorities had to address its justification. They failed to do so and mechanically treated the college’s recorded objection as decisive, without considering relevant circumstances. (¶ 12–14)
- Given the functioning college, fulfilled infrastructure and academic requirements and absence of major deficiencies, the refusal of 2017–2018 admissions was set aside. Up to 150 students could be admitted through central counselling in merit order. (¶ 15–16)
- Under Article 142, only this college’s admission deadline was extended to 5 September 2017 in the peculiar circumstances and public interest. MCI and the Government remained free to inspect when appropriate and act on deficiencies according to law after giving opportunity. (¶ 16)
Result
Petition and application allowed; 2017–2018 admission bar quashed, counselling participation and up to 150 merit-based admissions permitted by 5 September 2017; no costs.