In a landmark Supreme Court Judgment 2025, the apex court of India has upheld the rights of a disabled student for MBBS admission, setting a strong precedent for inclusivity in medical education. This ruling not only reinforces the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act India but also questions the outdated guidelines followed by AIIMS disability assessment and the National Medical Commission (NMC) disability quota regulations.
Case Background
The case revolved around Anmol vs Union of India, where the appellant, a highly meritorious student with a locomotor disability (58%) and speech impairment (20%), was denied admission to an MBBS course despite securing a high rank in NEET-UG 2024 under the PwD (Persons with Disabilities) quota. The rejection was based on an arbitrary disability assessment by the Government Medical College, Chandigarh, which disregarded a functional assessment.
Legal Battle: High Court’s Dismissal & Supreme Court’s Intervention
After the Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed Anmol’s plea, stating that courts cannot override expert medical board decisions, the case was escalated to the Supreme Court of India. Recognizing the gravity of the matter, the apex court ordered a fresh evaluation by AIIMS New Delhi, including Dr. Satendra Singh, a well-known advocate for disability rights in India.
Supreme Court Advocates Who Fought for Justice
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For the appellant: Mr. Atif Inam(AOR),
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For the respondents: Mr. Vikramjit Banerjee (Additional Solicitor General), Mr. Gaurav Sharma (Senior Advocate), and Ms. Pankhuri Shrivastava
Their extensive arguments played a crucial role in highlighting the discrepancies in the AIIMS disability assessment Supreme Court case and the NMC guidelines disability quota interpretation.
AIIMS Medical Board’s Split Decision
The AIIMS disability assessment committee delivered a split decision:
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Five members found Anmol ineligible based on outdated NMC guidelines for medical education.
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Dr. Satendra Singh, in a detailed dissenting report, emphasized that reasonable accommodations, assistive technology, and a competency-based medical education (CBME) approach would enable Anmol to complete his MBBS course successfully.
Supreme Court’s Ruling: A Landmark Case for Disability Rights
The Supreme Court, in a judgment delivered by Justice K.V. Viswanathan and Justice B.R. Gavai, ruled in favor of Anmol, emphasizing the following points:
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Functional Assessment Over Disability Percentage – Courts cannot allow arbitrary disability percentage calculations to determine eligibility.
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Right to Reasonable Accommodation – Educational institutions must provide inclusive education in medical colleges India.
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Overhauling of Outdated Regulations – The NMC guidelines disability quota needs urgent revision.
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Rejecting Ableism in Medical Education – The court ruled that the “both hands intact” requirement is discriminatory and legally unsound.
Key Judicial References in the Judgment
This case referenced two crucial previous Supreme Court judgments:
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Omkar Ramchandra Gond v. Union of India (2024 SCC OnLine SC 2860) – Advocated for functional assessment in disability cases.
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Om Rathod v. Director General of Health Services (2024 SCC Online SC 3130) – Reinforced the necessity of reasonable accommodation for disabled students.
Implications of the Judgment
The Supreme Court case on disability rights sets major legal and educational reforms:
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Medical Education Reform: Institutions must revise their guidelines to align with disability rights in India.
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Judicial Oversight: Courts play a critical role in ensuring justice in cases of discrimination.
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Empowerment of Disabled Students: The judgment upholds their right to professional courses without bias.
Final Verdict & Future Outlook
The Supreme Court of India has directed immediate admission for Anmol to the Government Medical College, Sirohi, upholding the principles of equality, dignity, and inclusion in medical education. Furthermore, the case is scheduled for review on March 3, 2025, to ensure that the NMC disability quota regulations are revised accordingly.
This judgment is not just a legal victory for Anmol but a significant milestone in advocating for inclusive education in medical colleges India.
What are your thoughts on this landmark ruling? Should medical institutions do more to support students with disabilities? Share your views below!