New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday criticised the Medical Council of India (MCI) for delaying inspection of the Government Medical College at Theni though the institution had informed the MCI about rectification of deficiencies pointed out in 2005.

A three-Judge Bench comprising Chief Justice Y.K. Sabharwal, Justice C.K. Thakker and Justice R.V. Raveendran did not accept the submission made by MCI counsel Maninder Singh that fresh inspection would be completed by June.

It was hearing an application by the Tamil Nadu Government, seeking to vacate interim stay of a Madras High Court order, passed in September last, appointing a committee to inspect the college.

Malafide motive

Senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the State, submitted that all deficiencies pointed out by the MCI had been set right and the MCI requested to inspect the college again, but there was no word from it. Claiming that already a year had been lost, he alleged that the MCI was acting with malafide motive and wanted to delay the inspection so that the college would not be functional even in 2006-2007.

Mr. Maninder Singh replied that the inspection would be completed by June and the report sent to the Centre.

The Bench told him: "This last-minute inspection leads to many problems, including nepotism and favouritism. All is not well with the MCI. If you are going to delay the inspection, this year also will go. You complete the inspection by March."

Counsel then said the MCI would undertake the inspection before the month-end.

The Bench said: "Insofar as the controversy in relation to academic year 2005- 2006 is concerned, it is of only academic interest now and we need not examine it. In respect of 2006-2007, Mr. Maninder Singh has said that as desired by the college, the inspection will be carried out in March 2006 and it can be preponed in case it is agreeable to the college.

"Counsel for the college will inform Mr. Maninder Singh, who will inform the court on the next date of hearing by what time the report will be sent to the Central Government with recommendations and deficiencies, if any... List the special leave petition on April 3."

Norms fulfilled

In its application, the Government said about Rs. 75 crore had been spent on constructing buildings and providing infrastructure for the 300-bed hospital and creating and filling 1,170 teaching and non-teaching posts to satisfy the MCI norms. Any further delay in inspection would cause irreparable hardship and harm to the college.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail