In a stern crackdown on academic irregularities, the Supreme Court has imposed a penalty of ₹10 crore each on private dental colleges in Rajasthan found guilty of violating admission norms. The court ruled that the state government had no authority to lower the minimum NEET-UG eligibility criteria for admissions to the BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) course in the 2016–17 academic session.
State Had No Power to Relax NEET Cut-Off
The apex court categorically held that only the Central Government—after due consultation with the Dental Council of India (DCI)—is empowered to grant any relaxation in NEET cut-off marks. Declaring Rajasthan’s decision illegal, the court said the state exceeded its jurisdiction by permitting admissions below the prescribed eligibility threshold.
Colleges Admitted Students With Zero or Negative Scores
Taking a tough view of the conduct of private institutions, the court observed that several dental colleges went far beyond the state’s unlawful relaxation and admitted students with zero or even negative NEET scores. Terming this practice a “mockery of academic standards,” the bench said such actions strike at the very foundation of professional medical education.
Heavy Financial Penalties Imposed
A bench comprising Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Vijay Bishnoi ordered each guilty private dental college to pay a fine of ₹10 crore. Additionally, the Rajasthan government was directed to deposit ₹10 lakh with the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority for its role in enabling the irregular admissions.
Degrees of Passed-Out Students Protected
Invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court granted limited relief to students who had already completed the BDS course. The court ruled that students who finished their degree within the maximum permissible period of nine years would not have their degrees invalidated.
