Medical College Managements cannot hold certificates for lack of compulsory rural service: HC

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has made it clear to College Managements in an order passed, that they have no right to hold certificates of MBBS students on merit seats, who do not serve, the one year compulsory rural service tenure. The Court in its directive stated that action against such students can only be taken under civil law. Bonds signed by the students at the time of admission, do not empower the Managements to retain their certificates. The Court was seen taking the decision, as it goes against public interest and public good, it stated.

The single bench of the state high court was responding to a petition filed by students of MES Medical College at Perinthalmanna in Malappuram, that questioned the management's refusal to return the original certification submitted, during the time of admission. The students who filed this petition were admissions for the year 2010-11 to the college.

In accordance with the agreement reached between the college management and the state government, students admitted under government quota, are to submit a bond undertaking stating that they will serve in the rural areas for one year, after completion of course.

It is when the petitioners failed to fulfill the bond term, calling for a 1 year tenure in rural areas, that the managements asked them to pay Rs. 13 lac each, as compensation. When they failed to pay the fine, the College Management decided to decline issuing conduct and transfer certificates to the errant and return the SSLC and plus two certificates, submitted at the time of joining.

While heeding managements that they had no right to hold student certification, the court also reminded that compulsory rural service was part of the prospectus and could not be avoided. If the students fail to discharge their obligations regarding compulsory rural service, the managements may redress court, the Court stated, reports the TOI.