In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has imposed a fine of ₹10 crore each on 10 private dental colleges in Rajasthan for serious irregularities in admissions. The Court held that the blatant illegality and wilful violation of rules by these institutions warranted strict punitive action.
Court Criticises Dilution of Medical Education Standards
A Bench comprising Justices Vijay Bishnoi and J.K. Maheshwari strongly criticised both the dental colleges and the Rajasthan government. The Court observed that the actions of the authorities had severely undermined the standards of medical education.
Expressing its disapproval, the Bench remarked that it was constrained to note how regulatory norms meant to safeguard academic integrity were disregarded.
State Government Also Penalised for Procedural Lapses
In addition to penalising the colleges, the Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan government to deposit ₹10 lakh with the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA). The Court imposed this penalty for the state’s failure to follow legal procedures during BDS admissions for the 2016–17 academic session.
Unauthorised Reduction in NEET Percentile Exposed
As reported by Hindustan Times, the Court’s stern order followed the discovery of grave irregularities in the admission process. The Rajasthan government had unauthorisedly reduced the NEET qualifying percentile by 10 per cent and then by a further 5 per cent for BDS admissions, despite the mandatory minimum criteria prescribed by the Dental Council of India (DCI).
As a result, several students gained admission even though they did not meet the eligibility requirements. Moreover, the concerned dental colleges admitted additional students beyond even this relaxed threshold.
Relief Granted to Students Using Plenary Powers
While condemning the violations, the Supreme Court provided relief to students admitted after the NEET percentile relaxation during the 2016–17 academic year. In its December 18 judgment, the Court regularised their BDS degrees by invoking its plenary powers under Article 143 of the Constitution to ensure complete justice.
Students Directed to Render Pro Bono Services
Rishabh Sancheti, counsel representing 59 students in the lead petition, stated that the Court directed the beneficiaries of the relief to file affidavits before the Rajasthan High Court. Through these affidavits, the students must commit to offering pro bono services to the state government during calamities, disease outbreaks, or other public emergencies.
Sharp Reprimand for Violating 2007 Regulations
The apex court highlighted that the dental colleges had blatantly violated the 2007 Regulations by admitting students beyond the permitted 10–15 percentile relaxation. Furthermore, it criticised the state government for granting unauthorised relaxations and for failing to promptly communicate decisions issued by the central government and the DCI.
“The colleges committed blatant illegality and wilful violation of the 2007 Regulations, thus warranting strict punitive action,” the Court observed.
Fines to Support Social Welfare Institutions
Finally, the Supreme Court directed the colleges to deposit the penalty amounts with the RSLSA within eight weeks. The Court ordered that the funds be utilised for the welfare of social institutions across the state, including One Stop Centres, Nari Niketans, old age homes, and child care institutions.
The ruling, the Court noted, serves not only as a punitive measure but also as a deterrent to ensure strict compliance with admission norms in the future.