Kumar Bahukhandi
Supreme Court (file photo) – Photo: ANI
Supreme Court: During the hearing, the court made strong remarks, stating that the colleges had openly violated the 2007 rules. The state government not only granted exemptions without permission but also failed to implement the decisions of the central government and the Dental Council of India in a timely manner.
The Supreme Court has taken a strong stance against 10 private dental colleges in Rajasthan for violating admission rules for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) course. The court imposed a fine of ₹10 crore on each of these colleges. The court stated that these colleges deliberately disregarded the rules, thereby compromising the standards of medical education. A bench of Justices Vijay Bishnoi and J.K. Maheshwari also expressed displeasure over the role of the state government in the matter. The court ordered the Rajasthan government to deposit ₹10 lakh with the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA) for failing to follow the legal process in BDS admissions (academic session 2016-17).
What was the case?
A minimum percentage is required in the NEET exam for admission to BDS courses. The Rajasthan government, without proper authority, granted an additional relaxation of 10 percent and then another 5 percent in this minimum percentage. Due to this relaxation, many students who did not meet the prescribed eligibility criteria were admitted. Furthermore, some colleges went even further than the 10+5 percent relaxation and admitted students, which was completely against the rules.
Relief for students, strict action against colleges
The Supreme Court, on humanitarian grounds, granted relief to the students who were admitted in the 2016-17 academic year. Using its special powers, the court regularized their BDS degrees. However, the students who received this relief have been directed to file an affidavit in the Rajasthan High Court and be prepared to provide free service in the state during any disaster, epidemic, or emergency situation.
Where will the fine money go?
All colleges must deposit the fine amount with RSLSA within eight weeks. This money will be used for social welfare activities such as One Stop Centers, Nari Niketan, old age homes, and child care institutions.
