Supreme Court Slaps Rs 100 Crore Fine on 10 Dental Colleges Over Irregular BDS Admissions
SC orders fines to benefit social welfare initiatives; students who completed studies must serve during emergencies
New Delhi, Dec 20: The Supreme Court has taken a landmark stand against violations in medical and dental education, imposing a total fine of Rs 100 crore on 10 private dental colleges in Rajasthan. The colleges had admitted students who failed to meet the minimum NEET 2016-17 eligibility criteria, in clear violation of regulations.
A bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi observed that these admissions were a deliberate compromise of educational standards, warranting strict action. Each college has been directed to deposit Rs 10 crore with the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority, while the state government must deposit Rs 10 lakh.
The court clarified that the fine will be placed in fixed deposits, with the interest earmarked for One Stop Centers, Nari Niketans, old age homes, and child care institutions in Rajasthan. A committee of five judges, including at least one woman, will oversee the effective use of these funds.
While students who completed their BDS degrees despite irregular admissions have been regularized, they must submit affidavits to the Rajasthan High Court, pledging to provide free services during disasters, epidemics, or other emergencies. Students who fail to complete the course within nine years will face expulsion, as per the 2007 regulations.
The Supreme Court expressed concern over declining standards in medical and dental education, emphasizing that such illegal admissions jeopardize the quality of future doctors. The ruling sends a strong message to institutions to comply with regulations and uphold educational integrity.
