Supreme Court Slams NMC: Dismisses Plea with Rs 10 Lakh Fine

The Supreme Court dismissed the National Medical Commission's (NMC) plea challenging a Kerala High Court order regarding the withdrawal of approval for increasing seats at a medical college, and imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine. The ruling criticized the NMC for harassing the institution and not acting fairly.

The Supreme Court has dismissed the National Medical Commission's (NMC) plea against a Kerala High Court order, imposing a Rs 10 lakh fine for its conduct. The ruling pertained to the NMC's withdrawal of approval for increasing seats at a medical college from 150 to 250 for the 2023-24 academic year.

A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan criticized the NMC for its approach, describing it as an attempt to harass the medical institution, which has been operational for 18 years. The court emphasized that the NMC, as a state organ, is expected to act in a fair and reasonable manner.

The bench noted the Kerala High Court's directive for the college to file an undertaking, urging the NMC to grant approval for the increased seats upon receipt. The apex court highlighted that the NMC's behavior did not align with that of a model litigant.

(With inputs from agencies.)