Madras High Court Allows Students to Continue Medical Course Despite Irregular Admissions, Orders College to Compensate for Violations

In a significant ruling, a single judge bench delivered a landmark judgment allowing a group of students to continue their medical course despite admissions being deemed irregular. The judgment, issued by the honorable court, highlights the violations committed by the college and mandates appropriate compensation for the wrongdoing. The case revolved around the validity of admissions made through stray vacancies and the alleged violation of laws and regulations governing the admission process.

Madras High court emphasized, “The method adopted by the college in admitting students for the stray vacancies is not in consonance with the law declared by the Hon’ble Supreme Court as well as the regulations made in this regard.” The court further stated that the issue had already been conclusively settled through previous judgments at the Writ Court, Division Bench, and Supreme Court levels.

Despite the irregularities, the court acknowledged the students’ higher marks and genuine approach, allowing them to continue their course. The court recognized the potential impact on the students’ careers if they were forced to leave at this stage, emphasizing that merit had not been completely disregarded in their admissions.

However, the judgment also brought to light a shocking revelation. The parents of the students disclosed that they had made substantial One Time Payments, commonly known as capitation fees, to the college. The court considered this a serious issue and ordered the college to deposit the entire amount of Rs.2,76,00,000/- (Rupees Two Crores and Seventy Six Lakhs only) with interest in a separate account jointly held by the Selection Committee and University Registrar. This amount will be utilized as a special scholarship for more meritorious candidates in future academic years.

Furthermore, the court directed the college to surrender five seats in the Management quota for the upcoming academic year as a compensatory measure. The Selection Committee will then select additional candidates for admission in the Government quota.

Date of Decision: 28 June 2023

K.Pooja Chakravarthi and Ors. vs The Tamil Nadu and Ors.