Can’t Extend Time For Filling Vacant Seats In Super-Specialty, PG & MBSS Courses: SC [Read Judgment]

The Supreme Court, on Friday, refused to extend the time for filling up the vacant seats in super-specialty, post-graduate and MBBS courses. The Interlocutory Applications demanding an extension were filed in the case titled, Ashish Ranjan and Ors. v. Union of India & Ors., wherein the Court had earlier laid down a time schedule to be followed for completing admissions to medical colleges.

The Bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud took into account the submissions made by the Senior Counsels who had echoed concerns about the seats being vacant.

“If we permit ourselves to say so, the concern travelled from rational sphere to emotional sphere. We appreciate the concern, perception and the argument advanced at the Bar,” the Bench noted.

The plea for extension of time was supported by Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh who was appearing for the Centre. Mr. Singh submitted his approval for the concession on the basis of the instructions given by the Directorate General of Health Services.

The plea was, however, vehemently opposed by the Medical Council of India. Represented by Mr. Gaurav Sharma, the MCI emphasized on the fact that the deadline had already been extended by 10 days and hence, “it will be an anathema to the concept of law to grant extension at the behest of the Institutions or the students”.

Mr. Sharma had further submitted that another extension has the potential to “usher in state of chaos and the result may be that the students who are not eligible or have defaulted, would gain the benefit”.

The Court agreed with these contentions and rejected the plea, observing, “Having bestowed our careful and studied consideration with regard to the submissions advanced at the Bar, we are of the convinced opinion and an extension at this juncture would not be appropriate. A sense of concern is one thing, but sustenance of discipline and order is another aspect.”