L R NATH Vs. DELHI UNIVERSITY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Question arising for consideration in this writ petition is the validity of a decision taken by the University of Delhi to discontinue the via voce test or interview for admission to the Post Doctoral course i.e.D.M./M. Ch. This writ petition has been filed by doctors who have done their M.D. and are aspirants for a seat in the D.M./M.Ch. Course. The Post Doctoral Course i.e. D.M./M.Ch. is a super-speciality course of 3 years duration. The petitioners seek writ of certiorari for quashing the selection process for admission as it does not include a via voce test or interview and is confined to the written test.

(2.) Grievance of the petitioners is that all along till the year 2001, in addition to the written test, via voce/interview was held. Counsel for the petitioner submits that the candidates who have completed their MBBS and M.D. are assigned to handle critical patients in their field of speciality and they gain valuable practical knowledge and experience. The practical knowledge and experience is also of importance in the pursuit of D.M. or M.CH. Course. The practical knowledge and skill can only be adjudged by an interview/viva voce test. The exclusion of the via voce test puts the candidates, who excel in this sphere at a disadvantage in as much as their practical. Knowledge and expertise is not considered and properly evaluated for admission to D.M./M.CH. Course.

(3.) The petitioners urge that although in other premier medical institutions such as AIIMS, PGMIR (Chandigarh) and Christian Medical College (Vellore), written test and viva voce test both are held, the Delhi University without any reason or cause has discontinued the viva voce test/interview. It is urged that in AIIMS after written test candidates are called for departmental clinical assessment and finally an interview is held. The marks assigned to the interview are in the range of 15% or so. Petitioners have also reproduced in the writ petition the relevant provisions which provide for interview at the Christian Medical College (Vellore), Sree Chitra Tirunal institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.