Orissa High Court
Kalinga Institute Of Medical Science ... vs Union Of India And Another on 4 March, 2016
Equivalent citations: AIR 2016 (NOC) 350 (ORI.)
Author: I.Mahanty
Bench: Indrajit Mahanty
THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA : CUTTACK
W.P.(C). No.15685 of 2015
_______________________________________________
In the matter of an application under Articles 226 and 227 of the
Constitution of India.
--------------
Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences
(KIMS) under KIIT University & another ...... Petitioners
-Versus-
Union of India & another ...... Opp. Parties
For Petitioners : M/s. A.K.Parija (Sr. Advocate)
Sarada P.Sarangi,
P.P.Mohanty, D.K.Das,
B.P.Das, P.K.Dash,
D.Mohapatra,
V.Mahapatra,
& J.S.Mishra.
For Opp. Party No.1: Mr.Anup Kumar Bose
(Asst. Solicitor General of India)
For Opp. Party No.2: M/s. Rajani Chandra Mohanty,
K.C.Swain, R.Das Pattanayak
& Ms.S.Pattanaik
PRESENT:
THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE INDRAJIT MAHANTY
&
THE HON'BLE DR. JUSTICE D.P.CHOUDHURY
Date of hearing: 17.02.2016 Date of Judgment: 04.03.2016
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I. Mahanty, J.The present writ application has come to be filed by the petitioner-Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) under KIIT University seeking to challenge the alleged arbitrary action of the Medical Council of India (MCI) for not recommending renewal of permission for admission of 2nd batch of MBBS students against the increased intake from 100 to 150 for the academic year 2015- 2016.
1.1. Further the writ application has also sought to challenge the letter dated 1.4.2015 issued by the MCI refusing permission for admission of 2nd batch of MBBS students against the increased intake of 100 to 150 for the academic year 2015-16 as well as a challenge to the letter dated 15.06.2015 issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare refusing permission for admission of 2nd batch of MBBS students against the increased intake i.e. from 100 to 150 for the academic year 2015-16.
2. In course of hearing the present writ application, this Court has passed certain interim directions from time to time amongst which, Order No.5 dated 25.09.2015 passed in Misc. Case No.15069 of 2015 and in particular Para-9 thereof is quoted hereinbelow:
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"9. After hearing learned counsel for the respective parties and in the light of the judgment referred hereinabove, we are of the considered view that the Union of India at the time of affording opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, ought not to have remanded the matter back to the M.C.I. for further inspection and such inspection/verification if at all required, could have carried out by it through any agency and/or any committee. We further take note of the fact that admissions to the M.B.B.S. course are to be completed by 30th September 2015 and there exists very limited time between now and the last date of admission. Keeping the interest of the students, interest of the State as well as the interest of the institution involved, we direct as follows:
i) That the Central Government shall grant provisional permission to the petitioner to conduct the course for the academic year 2015-16 which will be subject to further orders to be passed by us.
ii) That the State Government/ Institution shall start the process of allotment and the admission shall be made by the respective colleges subject to the result of the writ petition.
iii) The allotment and admission shall be made after giving information to the students regarding the pendency of the writ petition and that the admission will be subject to the result of the writ petition.
iv. Neither the petitioner-institution nor any students, who are admitted by it shall claim any equity on the basis of approval/permission for admission granted by virtue of this interim direction."
3. Challenging the aforesaid order dated 25.09.2015 the MCI challenged the same before the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Special Leave to Appeal (C)No.28312 of 2015 and by Order dated 4 13.10.2015, the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India was pleased to direct that the implementation of the impugned judgment shall remain stayed and status quo, as on date, shall be maintained. Subsequently, by Order dated 04.11.2015, the said Civil Appeal came to be disposed of with the following Order:
"I.A. Nos.2-5 are rejected.
Learned senior counsel appearing for the respondent-Hospital/applicants submits that a request shall be made before the High Court for finally deciding the matter on the next date of hearing.
Mr.Vikas Singh, learned Senior counsel appearing on behalf of appellant-MCI submits that the appellant would not object if such a prayer is made before the High Court. We are sure that the writ petition shall be decided by the High Court as soon as possible and if possible, on the next date of hearing.
In view of the above, nothing remains to be decided in the civil appeal. It is disposed of accordingly.
Be it noted that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case.
Interim order passed by this Court shall continue till the High Court finally decides the writ petition."
4. After disposal of the aforesaid matter by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the petitioner-institution filed an application for amendment before this Court and the same came to be allowed vide Order dated 13.11.2015. Thereafter, upon hearing the learned counsel for the respective parties, a further interim Order 5 No.9 dated 03.12.2015 was passed, inter alia, with the following directions:
"Heard Mr.Parija learned Senior Advocate appearing for the petitioner-institution Mr.Bose learned Asst. Solicitor General for the Union of India and Mr.R.C.Mohanty learned counsel for the Medical Council of India (MCI).
By order No.5 dated 25.09.2015 Misc. Case No.15069 of 2015 has come to be disposed of by this Court with various directions indicated therein. Relevant portion of which is quoted hereunder:
"9. After hearing learned counsel for the respective parties and in the light of the judgment referred hereinabove we are of the considered view that the Union of India at the time of affording opportunity of hearing to the petitioner ought not to have remanded the matter back to the M.C.I. for further inspection and such inspection/verification if at all required could have carried out by it through any agency and or any committee. We further take note of the fact that admissions to the M.B.B.S. course are to be completed by 30th September 2015 and there exists very limited time between now and the last date of admission. Keeping the interest of the students interest of the State as well as the interest of the institution involved we direct as follows:
i) That the Central Government shall grant provisional permission to the petitioner to conduct the course for the academic year 2015-16 which will be subject to further orders to be passed by us.
ii) That the State Government Institution shall start the process of allotment and the admission shall be made by the respective colleges subject to the result of the writ petition.6
iii) The allotment and admission shall be made after giving information to the students regarding the pendency of the writ petition and that the admission will be subject to the result of the writ petition.
iv. Neither the petitioner-institution nor any students who are admitted by it shall claim any equity on the basis of approval/permission for admission granted by virtue of this interim direction.
10. We further direct that the direction given herein above be complied with forthwith by the Union of India by issuing necessary L.O.P on the terms and conditions as noted hereinabove on or before 28th September 2015.
11. It is further directed that the petitioner-institution may be added to the list of counseling and students may be immediately informed. The institution and the JEE are at liberty to take such steps in accordance with law to comply with this direction and complete the admission process by 30th September 2015. However the petitioner-institution shall make it clear to all students who seek admission that their admission are subject to the result of the writ application.
12. Dr. Nilam Somalkar the Regional Director of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Department is present before this Court in person. A copy of this order be handed over to him for necessary communication and compliance.
The Misc. Case is disposed of."
In compliance of the directions as noted hereinabove the Government of India vide order dated 28.09.2015 passed an order granting provisional permission to the institution to conduct MBBS course for the 2nd Batch against increased intake from 100 to 150 MBBS seats for the academic year 2015-16 subject to the conditions indicated therein.
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The Medical Council of India has approached the Hon'ble Supreme Court in SLP(Civil) No.28312 of 2015 against the order dated 25.09.2015 passed in Misc. Case No.15069 of 2015.
It is asserted that the petitioner-institution admitted 50 students from the merit list prepared by the petitioner-institution from out of 84000 students who are applied and appeared at the All India Entrance Test (KIITEE 2015) into MBBS course for the year 2015-16.
By an interim order dated 13.10.2015 in the aforesaid SLP at the behest of the MCI the following directions have been passed:
"Leave granted.
The implementation of the impugned judgment shall remain stayed and status quo as on the date on which the impugned judgment was passed shall be maintained."
The said SLP has converted to Civil Appeal No.8739 of 2015 and came to be disposed of by order dated 04.11.2015 by the Hon'ble Supreme Court to the following effect:
"I.A. Nos.2-5 are rejected.
Learned senior counsel appearing for the respondent-Hospital/applicants submits that a request shall be made before the High Court for finally deciding the matter on the next date of hearing.
Mr. Vikas Singh learned senior counsel appearing on behalf of appellant- MCI submits that the appellant would not object if such a prayer is made before the High Court. We are sure that the writ petition shall be decided by the High Court as soon as possible and if possible on the next date of hearing.
In view of the above nothing remains to be decided in the civil appeal. It is disposed of accordingly.8
Be it noted that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case.
Interim order passed by this Court shall continue till the High Court finally decides the writ petition."
After the aforesaid directions were issued by the Hon'ble Supreme Court the petitioner filed an amendment application and the same came to be allowed and copies of the consolidated writ petition was served on Mr. R.C. Mohanty learned counsel for the MCI. MCI are still in the process of going through the documents appended by the petitioner in the consolidated writ petition.
Mr. R.C. Mohanty learned counsel for the MCI submits that in the fact situation of the present case it would appear that 50 students have already been admitted by the petitioner-institution pursuant to the direction issued by this Court dated 25.09.2015 and their admissions has also been duly approved by the Union of India vide its letter dated 28.09.2015 (Annexure-22) of course subject to the outcome of the writ application. He therefore prays for some further time to file the counter affidavit in response to the consolidated writ petition and states that the interest of the students are not in any manner being jeopardized if adjournment is given since they are already continuing with their educations.
The essence of the directions of this Court was that insofar as the deficiencies pointed out by the MCI in its inspection are concerned it is submitted that the petitioner-institution claims to have satisfied all such deficiencies before its hearing before the Government of India. The Union of India remitted the matter back to the MCI for re-verification. Admittedly no re- verification of such purported compliance were made due to paucity of time. It is in the circumstance that the earlier order of this Court was passed on 25.09.2015 keeping in view the fact that admissions had to be concluded on or before 30th September 2015.
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In the light of the circumstances as noted hereinabove and in view of the prayer of Mr. R.C. Mohanty learned counsel for the MCI seeking further time we are of the considered view that while granting time as sought for by the MCI we direct that the MCI may constitute a fresh inspecting team to come and inspect the petitioner-institution and check up the purported compliances claimed by the petitioner on or before 17th December 2015 and counter affidavit may be filed on or before 22nd December 2015. We are further of the considered view that along with the inspection team the DMET may also participate in such inspection and submit his report on or before 23rd December 2015.
List this matter on 23.12.2015.
Free copy of this order be handed over to Mr. A.K. Bose learned Assistant Solicitor General for the Union of India and Mr. R.C. Mohanty learned counsel for the MCI for necessary communication and compliance.
Urgent certified copy of this order be granted on proper application."
5. The aforesaid direction dated 3.12.2015 was once again challenged by the MCI before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in Civil Appeal No.14686 of 2015 and the same came to be disposed of by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India by its Order dated 16.12.2015 to the following effect:
"1. The respondents have instructions to appear on caveat.
2. Heard the learned counsel for the parties.
3. Leave granted.
4. At the time of hearing of this appeal, it has been submitted by Shri Kapil Sibbal, learned senior counsel, that a batch of additional 50 students is not undergoing studies.
5. It is directed that there shall not be any participation of Directorate of Medical Education and 10 Training (DMET), Odisha, in the process of inspection. Time for carrying out inspection is extended by four weeks from today.
6. The learned senior counsel appearing for the appellant has submitted that according to him, the inspection, which is to be carried out, shall be for the academic year 2016-2017.
7. The learned senior counsel appearing for the respondents opposes the recording of any such statement.
8. In view of the above, the appeal is disposed of as partly allowed with no order as to costs and the impugned order is modified to the above extent."
6. The purported compliance affidavit on behalf of the MCI to the directions of this Court dated 03.12.2015 came to be filed on 15th February, 2016 and the relevant portion of which is extracted hereinbelow:
"7. It is submitted that in pursuance of the order dated 03.12.2015 passed in present petition by this Hon'ble Court and order dated 16.12.2015 passed in SLP (C) No.34856/2015 by the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the MCI carried out physical assessment of the petitioner medical college on 7th and 8th January, 2016.
8. It is submitted that the assessment report dated 7th and 8th January, 2016 was placed before the Executive Committee of the MCI in meeting held on 30.01.2016, wherein, the Executive Committee observed various gross deficiencies pertaining to infrastructure, clinical material and other physical facilities, persisting in the petitioner medical college.
9. It is submitted that the deficiencies pointed out in the assessment report dated 7th and 8th January, 2016, are fundamental in nature, hence, could not be brushed aside in the larger public interest and also in the interest of the student community. It is submitted that in view of such gross and serious deficiencies in the petitioner medical 11 college the Executive Committee of the answering respondent, after due deliberations and discussions decided to recommend to the Central Govt., not to grant renewal of permission to the petitioner medical college for admitting 3rd batch of students against the increased intake i.e. from 100 to 150 for academic year 2016-17.
10. Accordingly, the above-mentioned decision/recommendation of the Executive Committee has been communicated to the Govt. of India vide letter dated 30.01.2016. Copy of MCI letter dated 31.01.2016 is annexed herewith and marked as ANNEXURE-B/2.
11. It is submitted that by the letter dated 31.01.2016 the petitioner medical college in view of the serious deficiencies found during the assessment has been directed to submit a compliance report after the rectification of the deficiencies within a period of 1 month."
7. Mr.R.C.Mohanty, learned counsel for the MCI apart from placing reliance on the compliance affidavit as noted hereinabove, in order to meet the query raised by this Court in its order dated 3.12.2015 (supra) placed reliance on Annexure-R-2/1 to its reply affidavit to the consolidated writ petition which is quoted hereinbelow:
"Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar- Renewal of permission for 3rd batch (2nd renewal) for 100 to 150 MBBS seats.
No. Subject Requirements Requirements Requirement
of beds for of beds for of beds for
100 150 100 to 150
recognition recognition seats for 2nd
renewal/3rd
Batch
1. General 120 150 138
Medicine
12
2. Paediatrics 60 90 78
3. Tuberculosis 10 20 16
& Chest
4. Skin & VD 10 15 13
5. Psychiatry 10 15 *30
6. General 120 150 138
Surgery
7. Orthopaedics 60 90 78
8. Opthalmology 10 15 13
9. ENT 10 15 13
10. OBG 60 90 78
Total 470 650 595
As per practice of the Council, the requirement of beds for increased intake is calculated by adding the difference of beds between the requirements for 100 recognition and the requirement for 150 recognition on yearly basis from LOP level to the last renewal {eg. In General Medicine 150-120=30/5=6 for each year. At 2nd renewal (3rd batch) 120+6+6+6=138} and also the beds are calculated as per PG requirements, i.e. 1 Unit consists of 30 beds in those courses, where PG courses are already running in the college (*Like in Kalinga where PG course in Psychiatry is running)."
8. At this juncture, Mr.Parija, learned Senior Advocate appearing for the petitioner-institution (KIMS) submitted that the KIMS institute has been inspected on three separate occasions for assessing the increased intake from 100 to 150 seats (2nd renewal) for the year 2015-16 on 28.1.2015, 20.5.2015 and 8.1.2016.
8.1. He advanced his argument in three folds. The first being that the inspection report dated 7/8.01.2016 and letter of Executive Committee dated 31.01.2016 indicating the alleged 13 deficiencies in the petitioner-institute are either factually incorrect or not in accordance with the regulations framed by the MCI and/or based on "certain practices" which have no backing/ foundation in law.
9. In the light of the aforesaid submissions, various alleged deficiencies as pointed out in the inspection report dated 7/8.01.2016 and the contentions raised by the petitioner-KIMS is noted hereunder in a tabular form:
Sl. Alleged Deficiency as per Inspection KIMS' Contentions No. Report dated 07/08.01.2016 and letter of Executive Committee dated 31.01.2016
(i) As per the
1. Teaching beds are inadequate as under: inspection report Department Beds dated Required Available Shortage 07/08.01.2016, 1 General 138 120 18 Medicine the total number 2 Pediatrics 78 65 13 of beds required is 3 Tb & Chest 16 10 06 595.
4 General 138 120 18 (ii) As per the
Surgery inspection report
5 Orthopedics 78 65 13
dated
6 O.G. 78 60 13
TOTAL 81 07/08.01.2016
the total number
of beds available
is 500.
(iii) As per applicable
MCI Regulations
for institutions
which have been
granted
recognition for
100 students, the
14
total number of
beds required is
470.
(iv) As per applicable
MCI Regulations
for institutions
which are seeking
first renewal for
admission of 150
students, the total
number of beds
required is 300.
(v) Therefore the
requirement of
595 beds is not as
per the
regulations but
based on
"practice" with no
sanction of law.
2. OPD: Injection room is common for In the inspection
male/female. ECG room is not report date
available. Room shown as ECG room is 27/28.01.2015 it is
an examination room. Plaster room & admitted all the
Plaster cutting room are common. In facilities are
Ophthalmology OPD, Dark Room & available.
Dressing room are not available. Child welfare clinic room in Pediatrics OPD was locked. Child Rehabilitation clinic is not available.
3. Number of Units available are less in (i) Number of units subjects of General Medicine, are dependent upon Paediatrics, General Surgery, the bed strength. If Orthopaedics, O.G. 595 is taken as the required bed strength, the total number of units required becomes 24.
(ii) If 470/490 is taken as the bed strength, the number of units required is 15 19 as per the applicable MCI Regulations.
(iii) Admittedly, the petitioner-institution has 19 units.
4. Bed occupancy was 66.70% on actual (i) Since the physical verification (i.e.397 out of 595 requirement of beds beds required) as per MCI regulations explained herein above is 470/490, then the bed occupancy will be 397/490 x 100 which is equal to 81.02%.
(ii) In its inspection report dt.8.1.2016, it is stated that the bed occupancy was 82% and not 66.70% as alleged.
5. While there were 5 Caesarean Sections, Reliance was placed there was NIL Normal Delivery; this is on the judgment of an abnormally high ratio. Hon'ble Supreme Court dated 24th September, 2015 in Civil Appeal No.7953 of 2015 and in particular, Paragraphs-17 and 18 thereof.
6. There is discrepancy in data of Major & (i) Row 1 should be Minor operations as under: read as "major Parameter Number surgery" and Row 2 Reported As per as minor surgery.
by College O.T. Lists
1 General 24 22 (ii) The reported
Medicine figures by the
2 Paediatric 40 13 petitioner-institution
s are as per the
16
procedure
undertaken
throughout the day.
(iii) It appears that
the figures as per
O.T. Lists were taken
sometime during the
day.
(iv) Some minor
surgeries have been
carried out in minor
O.T. and OPD which
do not require
anesthesia and hence
are not reported in
the O.T. list.
7. Workload of special investigations like -
Ba, IVP is NIL on day of assessment.
8. MRD: It is partly computerized In the inspection report dated 27/28.01.2015 submitted by assessors of Medical Council of India, the Medical Record Department (MRD) of the petitioner-
institution was
assessed and found
to be fully
computerized and
currently is also fully
computerized.
9. ICUs: There was NIL patient in SICU on -
day of assessment.
10. Only 4 static X-ray machines are (i) As per the
available against requirement of 5. inspection report
dated 20.05.2015
17
submitted by
assessors of Medical
Council of India, the
petitioner-institution
was assessed and
found to have 5 nos.
of Static X-ray
machines and
currently also has 5
nos. of them.
(ii) One machine of
300 mA was defective
on the date of
inspection. The same
is being replaced
shortly.
11. Examination Halls: Against (i) As per applicable
requirement of 2 Examination Halls of MCI Regulations for
250 capacity, only 1 of 250 capacity is Colleges which have
available. Another hall of 144 capacity been granted
is available; the capacity is less and recognition for 100
also it is of gallery type and cannot be students, the
considered as Examination Hall. required number of
examination hall is
one with capacity of
250.
(ii) As per applicable
MCI Regulations for
institutions which
are seeking first
renewal for 150
students, the
required number of
examination hall is
also one with
capacity of 250.
(iii) As per MCI
Regulations, two
examination halls
with capacity of 250
are required for 150
students at the time
of second renewal
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thereof.
(iv) Petitioner-
institution will
require two
examination halls of
250 capacity for the
academic year 2016-
17 and not for the
present year i.e.
2015-16.
12. Lecture Theaters: Capacity of 4 Lecture (i) As per applicable
Theaters available is only 140 each MCI Regulations for
against requirement of 180 each. Colleges which have
College authorities insisted that 180 been granted
students can be accommodated in the recognition for 100
theater but on verification it did not students, the
appear as if it can accommodate more required number of
than 140. It was verified during a lecture theaters is
lecture when 115 students were present four with capacity of
there. Available vacant space was not 120 each.
enough to accommodate more than 25 (ii) As per applicable
students. Even these 115 students were MCI regulations for
sitting quite close to one another as it institutions which
is. are seeking first
renewal for 150
students, the
required number of
lecture theatres is
two with capacity of
180.
(iii) In the inspection
report dated
27/28.01.2015
submitted by
assessors of Medical
Council of India, the
petitioner-institution
was assessed and
found to have two
lecture halls with
capacity of 180 and
two lecture halls with
capacity of 120 and
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also currently has so.
13. Central Library: Available area is 1,700 (i) As per applicable sq.m. against requirement of 1800 MCI Regulations for sq.m. institutions which have been granted recognition for 100 students, the central library should be 1600 sq.m.
(ii) As per applicable
MCI Regulations for
institutions which
are seeking first
renewal for 150
students, the central
library should be
1200 sq.m.
(iii) As per MCI
Regulations, central
library should be
1800 sq.m. at the
time of second
renewal for 150
students.
(iv) Petitioner-
institution will
require central
library of 1800 sq.m
for the academic year
2016-17 and not for
the present year i.e.
2015-16.
14. Students' Hostels: Entrance lobby is In the inspection
the Visitors' room which is not as per report dated
norms. Study room has no computer. 27/28.01.2015
Recreation room has no facility for any submitted by
music or indoor games. assessors of Medical
Council of India, the
petitioner-institution
20
was assessed and
found to have the
requisite facilities of
visitor room,
recreation room with
TV, music, indoor
games, study room
with computer in its
students' hostels and
indeed currently has
the said facilities.
15. Interns' Hostel: Available In the inspection
accommodation is 82 against report dated
requirement of 100. Entrance lobby is 27/28.01.2015
the Visitors' room which is not as per submitted by
norms. Study room has no computer. assessors of Medical
Recreation room has no facility for any Council of India, the
music or indoor games. petitioner-institution
was assessed and
found to have the
requisite facilities of
visitor room,
recreation room with
TV, music, indoor
games, study room
with computer in its
interns' hostels and
indeed currently has
the said facilities.
Further, the available
accommodation was
found to be 120
against the
requirement of 100.
16. Residents' Hostel: Entrance lobby is the In the inspection
Visitors' room which is not as per report dated
norms. Study room has no computer. 27/28.01.2015
Recreation room has no facility for any submitted by
music or indoor games. assessors of Medical
Council of India, the
Petitioner College
was assessed and
21
found to have the
requisite facilities of
visitor room,
recreation room with
TV, music, indoor
games, study room
with computer in its
residents' hostels
and indeed currently
has the said
facilities.
17. Playground shown is used as In the inspection
construction area report dated
27/28.01.2015
submitted by
assessors of Medical
Council of India, the
petitioner-institution
was assessed and
found to have
playgrounds
including facilities for
outdoor games such
as cricket, and
football and indeed
currently has so.
18. Anatomy department: CT & MRI films In the inspection
are not available. report dated
27/28.01.2015
submitted by
assessors of Medical
Council of India, the
petitioner-institution
was assessed and
found to have 31
units of MRI CT films
and also currently
possesses them.
22
10. The first most important aspect that needs to be noted at the outset is that the petitioner-institution (KIMS) had made an application for increasing of MBBS seats from 100-150 and was seeking its first renewal for the 2nd batch for the year 2015-
16. 10.1. By virtue of the direction issued by this Court vide order dated 14.9.2015, the petitioner-institution had completed its admissions into the MBBS course (2nd batch) on or before 30th September, 2015. In view of the fact that the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the MCI-O.P.2 (appellant before the Hon'ble Supreme Court) submits that the O.P.2-appellant would not object if the prayer is made before the High Court for finally deciding the matter on the next date of hearing, the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal No.8739 of 2015 vide Order dated 4th November, 2015 noted that the High Court should decide the matter as soon as possible and if possible, on the next date itself and while disposing of the Civil Appeal, categorically directed as follows:
"Be it noted that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case."
10.2. Insofar as Civil Appeal No.14686 of 2015 is concerned, as noted above, the Hon'ble Supreme Court set aside the direction of this Court to the extent of appointing the Director of 23 Medical Education and Training as a member of the Inspection Team and extended the period for inspection by period of four weeks from 16.12.2015 (the date of the final order). 10.3. In the light of the aforesaid directions and observations of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, we now proceed to note our views in relation to the issues raised in the present writ application.
11. The main issue relates to the alleged deficiency of teaching beds at the hospital. In this respect, it is important to take note herein that the latest inspection that was carried out by the MCI of the petitioner-institution was on 7/8.1.2016 and the Executive Committee of the MCI affirmed the inspection report and directed to recommend to the Central Govt. not to renew the permission for admission of 3rd batch of MBBS students against increased intake from 100-150 seats under Section 10-A of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 in respect of the petitioner- institution (KIMS, Bhubaneswar under KIIT University) for the academic year 2016-17.
11.1. On perusal of the Inspection report as well as the communication dated 31.01.2016 made to the petitioner- institution by the MCI, it is clear therefrom that there appears to be a complete misunderstanding on the part of the inspecting team as well as the MCI regarding the direction issued by this 24 Court with regards to inspection. This Court by its order dated 03.12.2015 had categorically directed the MCI to carry out inspection for the purpose of students who have already been admitted during the year 2015-16 itself, for which the petitioner- institution had made an application before the MCI and had also represented before the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In other words, it is reiterated herein that there was never any application by the petitioner-institution for consideration for the academic year 2016-17 nor for the 3rd batch of MBBS students. It is also reiterated that whereas the petitioner-institution had applied for the 2nd batch of MBBS students for the increased intake of seats during 2016-17, the entire assessment by the assessors in their inspection carried out on 7/8.1.2016 as well as the report of the executive committee communicated to the Govt. of India on 31.03.2015, proceeds on the basis, as if they were inspecting the institution for its 3rd batch for admission during the academic year 2016-17. This, itself is a factual error which has resulted in total miscalculation of the requirement of the petitioner-institution.
11.2. We had by our Order dated 05.02.2016 noted the contentions raised by the petitioner-institution and called upon 25 the MCI to file a compliance affidavit on the issues raised which has been quoted hereinabove.
12. The purported compliance affidavit filed by the MCI dated 15.02.2016, provides no response/answer to the issues raised in the said order as quoted hereinabove. On the other hand, learned counsel for the MCI placed reliance on Page-91 of its reply affidavit to the consolidated writ petition which is quoted hereinabove (Para-7) and the note below therein is reiterated in the following effect:
"As per practice of the Council, the requirement of beds for increased intake is calculated by adding the difference of beds between the requirements for 100 recognition and the requirement for 150 recognition on yearly basis from LOP level to the last renewal {eg. In General Medicine 150-120=30/5=6 for each year. At 2nd renewal (3rd batch) 120+6+6+6=138} and also the beds are calculated as per PG requirements, i.e. 1 Unit consists of 30 beds in those courses, where PG courses are already running in the college (*Like in Kalinga where PG course in Psychiatry is running)."
12.1. In this respect, learned counsel for the MCI was called upon to explain such "practice" and the source/authority of such practice and we regretfully record that no response whatsoever justifying such practice as noted hereinabove was forthcoming from the MCI.
13. At this juncture, it would be relevant for us to take note of the contention advanced by Mr.Parija, learned Senior Advocate 26 for the petitioner-institution to the effect that no such "practice" as alleged ever existed with the MCI and as evidence to the contrary, a memo was filed on 17th February, 2016 annexing thereto extracts of the assessment made on 20/21.01.2016 of the School of Medical Sciences and Research, Sharda University as well as the extract of assessment report dated 04/05.01.2016 of Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences. Whereas, Sharda University was an applicant for first renewal for increase of admission capacity from 100-150 seats, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences was assessed for its second renewal of increased intake capacity from 100-150 seats. On perusal of the assessment reports of the aforesaid two Universities, it would be important to extract as follows:
Department Ward Beds Total Total Facilities Available in Each Ward Remarks Nos. Required Beds Admitted available Patients on 20.01.201 Nursing Exam/ Pantry Store Duty Demo 6 Station Treat Y/N Room Room Room Y/N Room Y/N Y/N (25 Y/N Capac ity) Y/N Psychiatry 1 10 15 9 Y Y Y Y Y Y Dermatology 1 10 15 10 Y Y Y Y Y Y Gen. 4 120 120 83 Y Y Y Y Y Y Surgery Orthopedics 2 60 60 33 Y Y Y Y Y Y Ophthalmol 1 10 15 10 Y Y Y Y Y Y ogy ENT 1 10 15 10 Y Y Y Y Y Y OB & GYN 2 60 60 43 Y Y Y Y Y Y Total 470 500 337 Y Y Y Y Y Y 27 13.1. It is submitted on behalf of the petitioner-institute that the assessment reports of the aforesaid two institutions would clearly indicate that the MCI inspectors have themselves recorded the fact that the required number of beds for first renewal as well as 2nd renewal for the increased admission capacity from 100-150 was 470 beds and not 595 beds as claimed by the MCI in the present case.
13.2. Learned Senior Counsel for the petitioner-institute asserts that the petitioner-institution has been found to possess 500 beds and in Column-2.6 of the latest Inspection Report dated 7/8.1.2016 clearly recorded the bed occupancy percentage at 10.00 A.M. on the first day as 82% and the same obviously has been arrived at by treating the requirement of beds for the purpose of approving the increased intake at 470.
14. In view of the above, we are of the clear considered view that fixing a requirement at 595 beds in the present case, is not in accordance with the MCI Regulations and appears to be clearly discriminately applied to the petitioner-institution. If it is verified from the medical college established by Sharda University and the Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, who were applicants for first and 2nd renewal for the increased intake from 100-150 seats, there can be no justifiable reason to apply a 28 separate standard, which has no basis to the present institution. In other words, we are of the considered view that the requisite number of beds required for considering the application for increase intake capacity from 100 to 150 students for its 2nd batch (first renewal) can only be 470 and no more. The apparent attempt at misleading the Court, is clear from the report itself, whereas at Column 2.6 of the Inspection Report dated 7/8.1.2016, the inspecting team has concluded that occupancy of beds were 82% "on actual physical verification" of the same. They have also given a finding at 2.5 that the total beds available are
500. Consequently, for the purpose of the application of the petitioner-institute, there can be no doubt that such an institution only required to have 470 beds and instead of that, stipulating 595 beds as a condition precedent for the purpose of approval, is not in accordance with the MCI Regulations and is clearly discriminatory and no "practice" as alleged has been established by the MCI.
15. We may consider the aforesaid contentions in a different angle. Even if we go on the basis of the claim "practice" as noted in Annexure-R-2/1 to the reply affidavit to the consolidated writ petition above, the requirement of 595 beds would at best be required for the purpose of the 3rd batch who would only be 29 admitted in the year 2016-17 and not the existing batch for the year 2015-16. Even if the same logic as noted above is applied by the MCI, then the actual requirement of increased beds would be 2/3rd of the increased beds. We are, therefore, of the considered view that the petitioner-institution having 500 beds in existence, has more than the statutory requirement of 470 beds and therefore, the finding of the inspection team that teaching beds are inadequate, is wholly factually incorrect. 15.1. The next deficiency pointed out relates to certain limitations in the OPD Department. In this respect, reference need only be made to the earlier inspection report dated 27/28.1.2015. The same is quoted as hereunder:
"Facilities available in OPD Medicine E.C.G. Room Yes Injection room
-Male Yes
-Female Yes Surgery Minor OT Yes Dressing room -
-Male
-Female
Orthopaedics Plaster
Plaster room Yes cutting room Yes
15.2. We find that inspecting team inspected the institution on 28.1.2015 found all the facilities of the OPD to be in order. In fact, obviously, the latest Inspecting team report cannot be 30 accepted as factually correct and consequently, we are of the considered view that the petitioner-institution has no deficiency insofar as the OPD is concerned.
16. Insofar as the number of units available being allegedly less in subject of General Medicine, Paediatrics etc. are concerned. In this respect, the alleged deficiency has been computed on the basis of the MCI's insistence for the requirement of 595 beds. For the reasons as noted hereinabove, since we have concluded that only 470 beds are required for the present purpose of the first renewal (second batch) for the year 2015-16, the requirement as per the MCI regulation is only 19 units and admittedly, the petitioner-institution does have 19 units for the purpose of teaching in various departments are concerned.
16.1. Consequently, this finding of fact by the inspecting team in their report dated 7/8.1.2016 is factually erroneous.
17. The alleged bed occupancy of 66.7% arrived at by the inspecting team, again, is based upon their understanding that the institution required 595 beds and not 470. Since we have arrived at a conclusion that the institution required only 470 beds, the occupation rate of bed is 81.02% and not 66.70% as determined.
3117.1. Insofar as the next allegation relating to the finding that there were only five Caesarean Sections and there was nil Normal Delivery which was found to be abnormally high ratio. In this respect, the judgment cited and relied upon by the petitioner- institution as noted hereinabove, is a clear and categoric response to the said alleged deficiency and we can do no better than to refer the aforesaid Civil Appeal No.7953 of 2015 where in Para-17, Hon'ble Supreme Court has noted that such a deficiency can hardly be treated as any deficiency. For reference the said paragraph is quoted hereinbelow:
"17. With this we come to the deficiencies which are pointed by the High Court in para 14 of the impugned judgment and taken note of above. As far as first deficiency is concerned, it is stated that on the previous day (that is day prior to the date of inspection) there was nil normal delivery ad nil caesarean section. Likewise, second deficiency which is pointed out is to the effect that in the month of January, there were only 45 total deliveries and in the month of April there were only 38 deliveries which were inadequate and further special investigation like Ba, IVP were not carried out. The Hospital cannot be faulted with, in case there was no normal delivery or no caesarean section on a particular day. That can hardly be treated as any deficiency. Same would be the position in respect of number of deliveries in the month of January and April. Insofar as third deficiency is concerned, it is clarified by the learned senior counsel for the Society that the Hospital is having sonography and ultrasound facilities etc. and, therefore, BA/IVP are not carried out and, it would be hardly of any significance."32
17.2. Insofar as the discrepancy in data of major and minor operations are concerned, the same ought to be read as major or minor surgery and in this respect, although there appears to be difference in number reported by the College and as per the OT list, it should have been well understood by the inspecting team that whereas OT list was taken during the time of inspection, the report by the college is prepared at the end of the day and consequently, there is bound to be discrepancies in this regard during the day and consequently, we are also of the considered view that such alleged discrepancy is not a fact and ought not to be considered for denial of approval.
17.3. A further observation by the inspecting team in January 2016 that the institution was partly computerized, is wholly opposed to the finding arrived at by the MCI's own inspection report dated 27/28.1.2015 which is extracted hereinbelow:
"Medical Record Section:
Manual/Computerized: Computerized ICD X classification of diseases followed for indexing:Yes Staff: Available
1. Medical Record Officer 1
2. Statistician 1"
17.4. Insofar as there being NIL patients in SICU on the day of assessment is concerned, this issue has already been dealt with by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal No.7953 of 2015 and we 33 are of the considered view that the facilities no doubt exists and the actual utility of such facility will be dependant upon the needs of the patients and the institution cannot be faulted for the SICU having no patients on the date of assessment. The records of the SICU could have been looked into for determining its utilization but the mere fact that there was no patient in the SICU on the day of assessment, is by itself of no consequence.
17.5. The further deficiency that, only four static X-ray machines are available against the requirement of 5. It is asserted on behalf of the petitioner-institution that an earlier inspection had been carried out on 20.5.2015 and in the said inspection, the team had found that the petitioner-institute have five numbers of Static X- ray machines. But, it is explained by the petitioner-institution that on the day of latest inspection in January, 2016, one machine of 300 mA was defective and steps have already been taken for being replaced.
17.6. Inasmuch as the alleged deficiency of Examination Halls are concerned, it is stated by the inspecting team in January, 2016 that the institution required 2 Examination Halls (250 capacity each) whereas the petitioner-institution has only 1 Examination Hall of 250 capacity and another hall of 144 capacity. In terms of the applicable MCI Regulation for colleges seeking first renewal for 150 34 students, the required number of Examination Hall is only 1 with capacity of 250. It appears that since the inspecting team assumed that they were inspecting the institution for the 3rd batch of students for the academic year 2016-17, this erroneous consideration appears to have crept in to the inspection report. It is further stated on behalf of the petitioner-institution that they undertake to ensure 2 Examination Halls of 250 capacity are in place for the academic year 2016-17 when they would seek approval for admission into 3rd batch of increased capacity.
17.7. Insofar as the Lecture Theaters are concerned, capacity of 4 Lecture Theatres available is only 140 each against the requirement of 180 each, in this respect, it is an admitted fact that originally, the petitioner-institution had been granted recognition for 100 students and number of Lecture Theaters is 4 and each has capacity of 120. When the petitioner-institution sought for increase of capacity from 100-150 students, in terms of the applicable Rules and Regulations of the MCI, the required number of Lecture Theatre is only 2 with capacity of 180. In this respect, reference to be placed on the inspecting report on 27/28.1.2015, in which the petitioner- institution was assessed and found to have two Lecture Theaters with capacity of 180 and 2 Lecture Theatres with capacity of 120 35 and consequently, the said deficiency also does not exists as on date.
17.8. Insofar as the space for Central Library is concerned, it is alleged that while the requirement of MCI is 1800 sq.m., the available area is 1700 sq.m. It is clear from the MCI Regulations that the Central Library should be of 1800 sq.m. at the time of the 2nd renewal for 150 students (3rd batch). The institution would be admitting students of 3rd batch only during the year 2016-17 and once again since the inspection report proceeded on the footing that it was inspecting the institution for admission of its 3rd batch in 2016-17, this error of fact has crept in. It is once again reiterated herein that the petitioner-institution and the present writ petition itself relate to admission for the year 2015-16 (2nd batch) and consequently, the requirement of 1800 sq.m. at the present stage and time, does not form part of the requirements under MCI's Regulations. Learned counsel for the petitioner-institution of course undertook that the institution would also increase the available area of the Central library to meet the required norm before it seeks approval for its next batch (3rd batch) during the year 2016-17. 17.9. Insofar the Students' Hostel and the deficiency noted therein are concerned, in January 2016 report, we need not deal with the same since the MCI's own inspection report dated 36 27/28.1.2015 have found to have determined that the petitioner college has the necessary requisite facilities of Visitors' Rooms, Recreation Rooms, TV, music, indoor games, study room with computer in its students' hostel and indeed has all the necessary facilities for such students.
17.10. Similarly, the issue regarding Interns' Hostel and the alleged deficiency therein as well as the Residents Hostel and the deficiency therein if vetted against the earlier inspection report dated 27/28.1.2015, are in stark contrast to each other and no explanation is provided by the MCI as to why the earlier report on these aspects cannot be relied upon.
17.11. Similarly in the case of the alleged discrepancy of deficiency of playground is concerned, the inspection report dated 27/28.1.2015 is an adequate response thereto where the inspecting team found adequate facilities for playgrounds, outdoor games as well as cricket and football.
17.12. Insofar the alleged deficiency regarding Anatomy Department (CT and MRI films) not being available is concerned, once again reliance can be placed on the earlier inspection report dated 27/28.1.2015 in which the assessors of the MCI assessed and had found 31 units of MRI CT films in course of their inspection. 37
18. On consideration of the circumstances and fact situation as noted hereinabove, it would be appropriate to take note of the Order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Civil Appeal No.7953 of 2015 and in particular, Para-18 thereof, which is quoted hereinbelow:
"We are satisfied that in the aforesaid circumstances there was no need to direct conducting of re-inspection by the Medical Council of India and for the Academic Year 2015-2016 direction could have been given by the High Court for grant of permission once the order of the Central Government was found to be contrary to law."
18.1. In view of the aforesaid direction of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, we being satisfied in the present circumstances that, we find no need to direct conducting re-inspection by the MCI for the academic year 2015-16 and we hereby direct the MCI to grant the necessary permission to the petitioner-institution to continue with the education of its students admitted prior to September 2015 within the revised enhanced intake i.e. 100 to 150, since we are of the considered view that no deficiency as alleged exists in the present circumstances.
19. Accordingly, the letter dated 1.4.2015 issued by the MCI as well as the letter dated 15.06.2015 issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare are quashed and we direct the MCI and the Union of India to issue necessary permission 38 forthwith, so that, the future educational prospects of students already admitted by the petitioner-intuition are not put in jeopardy.
20. With the aforesaid direction, the writ application is allowed.
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I.Mahanty, J.
Dr.D.P.Choudhury, J. - I agree.
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Dr.D.P.Choudhury, J.
ORISSA HIGH COURT: CUTTACK 4th March, 2016/RKS