The Supreme Court of India has struck down the old rule that required MBBS aspirants to have “both hands intact.” The court called this rule outdated and discriminatory, ensuring equal opportunities for disabled students who want to become doctors.
Court’s Decision
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan ruled that the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) guideline was unfair and violated the rights of disabled individuals. The decision was based on Article 41 of the Constitution, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act.
The case came to light when Anmol, a NEET-UG 2024 candidate, was denied admission despite securing rank 2,462 in the Persons with Disability (PwD) category. The Government Medical College in Chandigarh rejected his admission based on the NMC rule. He first approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which also dismissed his plea. Finally, he appealed to the Supreme Court.
AIIMS Review and Court’s Stand
A special committee of six AIIMS doctors reviewed Anmol’s case. Five members said he was not eligible due to competency concerns, while the sixth, Dr. Satendra Singh, argued that with proper support and adjustments, Anmol could complete his medical course. The Supreme Court agreed with Dr. Singh, stating that students should not be disqualified at the admission stage. Instead, they should be allowed to choose their medical specialization later.
The court also criticized the five-member AIIMS panel for failing to explain why Anmol was deemed ineligible. The judges have directed the NMC to update its guidelines and ensure that medical admissions are inclusive.
Next Steps
The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 3, 2025, to check whether the NMC has revised its rules. This landmark ruling is expected to bring a positive change for disabled medical aspirants across India.
This decision promotes fairness and ensures that capable students with disabilities are not unfairly denied the opportunity to pursue a medical career.
