In Brief
The Supreme Court reversed the High Court's decision quashing the Government of India's refusal to grant renewal permission to four medical colleges for academic year 2018-2019. The Court held that Regulation 8(3)(1)(a) and 8(3)(1)(b) of the Medical College Regulations, 1999 are mandatory and prevent compliance verification when deficiencies exceed prescribed thresholds (faculty deficiency over 30% and/or bed occupancy below 50% for newer colleges; over 20% and/or below 65% for later batches). The Hearing Committee's recommendation to review is merely a suggestion, not binding. Expert Assessors' reports cannot be lightly challenged based on self-serving website data absent mala fide. Admissions for 2018-2019 were appropriately denied. For recognition cases, compliance may be considered, but admissions in the same year remain governed by Regulations. Appeals allowed; orders set aside; colleges may apply for 2019-2020 admissions.
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