Karnataka: KIMS declined seat increase from 120 to 150 by the Supreme Court

Bengaluru's Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences has been declined a seat increase from 120 to 150 by the Supreme Court for the academic session 2017-18.

A three-judge bench presided over by Chief Justice, Dipak Misra, however, allowed the application made by the institute to be considered in the academic session of 2018-19 by the Medical Council of India.

Mahalakshmi Pavani, a senior advocate, and Counsel for the institute filed a writ before the apex court to allow an increased intake of 150 students in the MBBS course in the current session. The writ also sought to quash the communication sent by the MCI, on September 4, for compliance of deficiencies at the Institute for the purpose.

After analysing the facts of the matter, the bench, also comprising of Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said, "no final decision has been taken on the proposal for enhancement of intake capacity from 120 to 150 seats by the competent authority, the question of granting relief to permit the petitioner-institution to admit up to 150 students in MBBS course for the academic session 2017-18 cannot be countenanced."

The court, however, observed that since the admission process for academic session 2017-18 had already been completed and the last dates of admissions were over, the question of permitting admissions for 150 students was out of the question.

The court in a direction to the MCI, further stated, that a fresh inspection be conducted within 3 months and an opportunity till then be granted for overcoming of deficiencies. The court further said that an assessment was to be sent to the central government, after assessment by the Executive Council of the MCI. The central government is meant to take a weighed decision after giving a listening ear to the petitioner institution, reports Deccan Herald.