The Supreme Court recently raised concerns regarding a Karnataka Government notification mandating one year of rural service for medical students to obtain permanent registration with the Karnataka Medical Council. Justices P.S. Narasimha and Sanjay Karol presided over the case.
Justice P.S. Narasimha questioned the exemption of private medical college graduates from rural service, highlighting the obligation of all individuals, regardless of their educational background, towards nation-building.
Petitioner’s Argument:
The petitioners argued against the notification citing issues of bandwidth and language barriers. They referenced the Karnataka Compulsory Service Training by Candidates Completed Medical Courses Act, 2012, which mandates rural service for medical graduates.
The Act requires MBBS graduates from both government and private universities to fulfill one year of rural service before obtaining permanent registration with the Karnataka Medical Council.
Petitioner’s Claim:
The petitioners argued that candidates from private universities, who incur higher costs, should be exempt from compulsory service, citing Article 14 of the Constitution. They referenced a previous Supreme Court decision regarding compulsory bonds for medical courses.
Court’s Direction:
The petition seeks a writ of mandamus directing the issuance of necessary NOCs without compulsory rural service affidavits and acceptance of permanent registration by the Karnataka Medical Council.
Case Details: Title: ASHISH REDU VS. GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA., W.P.(C) No. 332/2024