Breaking: Supreme Court Triumphantly Overturns Archaic ‘Both Hands Intact’ Rule for MBBS Admission

The Supreme Court of India challenged a longstanding medical requirement, decreeing that the National Medical Commission (NMC) must update the “both hands intact” criterion, which barred individuals with disabilities from pursuing a medical degree. This decision arose from a case involving a disabled candidate deemed unfit for the MBBS course by an AIIMS medical board; however, Dr. Satendra Singh, a board member, submitted a separate, supportive opinion. The bench of Justices B. R. Gavai and K. V. Viswanathan sided with Dr. Singh, emphasizing that the current requirement perpetuates ableism by not allowing a functional assessment of candidates with disabilities.

Justice Viswanathan criticized the outdated standard, noting its incompatibility with advancements like robotic surgery and its contradiction of constitutional and legislative principles advocating for the rights of disabled individuals. The court stressed the importance of evaluating individual competencies and offering accommodations rather than prematurely disqualifying candidates. It encouraged enabling students to pursue the MBBS course and make informed career choices post-graduation about specialties, whether surgical or medical.

This ruling highlights a shift towards inclusivity in medical education, aligning with global conventions and national disability rights acts. The Supreme Court ordered the NMC to report back by March 3 with its progress on revising these criteria, advocating for a reevaluation of disabled candidates’ rights and introduced a broader perspective on capability within the medical field.

Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sc-rejects-decades-old-both-handsintact-requirement-to-study-mbbs/articleshow/118462560.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-02-22 02:29:00