The Supreme Court has instructed the National Medical Commission to reassess its guidelines for PwD reservations in MBBS admissions following new disability assessment criteria issued on March 12, 2024. This review comes after an aspirant challenged the denial of quota benefits due to a mental health condition.

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has ordered the National Medical Commission (NMC) to reevaluate its recommendations on reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in MBBS admissions. The directive came in response to a petition from an MBBS aspirant who was denied PwD quota benefits due to a mental health condition.

Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Pankaj Mithal instructed the NMC to review the Expert Committees recommendations in light of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerments updated guidelines, released on March 12, 2024. The updated guidelines include comprehensive criteria for assessing mental disabilities.

The Court, which had previously directed the NMC to explore new approaches for disability assessment in MBBS admissions, has scheduled a follow-up hearing in eight weeks. The petitioner, who holds a 55% disability certification, argued that he was unfairly denied quota benefits despite his condition meeting the legal criteria.

(Source:https://www.verdictum.in/court-updates/supreme-court/supreme-court-dr-vijay-dixit-v-pagadal-krishna-mohan-2024-insc-627-section-13-consumer-protection-act-1986-ncdrc-1549673?infinitescroll=1 )