Summary
The Court permitted up to 150 MBBS admissions for 2017–2018 after finding the Government’s renewed refusal cryptic and insufficiently responsive to the Oversight Committee’s favourable assessment. That opinion was not strictly binding but could not be ignored without tangible reasons. The college’s deadline was extended to 5 September 2017 under Article 142, while future inspection and lawful action remained available.
Issues
- What reasons were required to depart from the Oversight Committee’s favourable view.
- Whether the record justified the renewed refusal or case-specific admission relief.
Held
- Although not strictly binding, the Oversight Committee’s opinion and accepted explanations required consideration. The authority did not need elaborate reasons but had to identify relevant factors and tangible grounds for disagreement, including any additional material overlooked by the committee. (¶ 12)
- The authority had not adequately analysed the staffing and salary-document explanations. A stray instance of admission to a particular intensive-care unit, without findings of a pattern and defined-protocol breach warranting revocation, did not justify the conclusion drawn. Objective assessment required the relevant record as a whole. (¶ 13–14)
- Given the functioning college and fulfilled infrastructure and academic requirements, the petition and application were allowed. The bar was set aside to permit up to 150 admissions through central counselling by NEET merit. (¶ 14–15)
- The college-specific deadline was extended to 5 September 2017 using Article 142 in the peculiar circumstances. MCI and the competent authority could inspect when appropriate and act according to law after giving the college opportunity concerning any deficiencies. (¶ 15)
Result
Petition and application allowed; 2017–2018 admission bar set aside to permit up to 150 merit-based central-counselling admissions by 5 September 2017; no costs.