MANJU A Vs. SAJA MOL M.K

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These writ petitions have been filed by students pursuing their final year MBBS Course for the academic year 2017-2022 in various Medical Colleges in the State of Kerala. Their common grievance in these writ petitions is the decision taken by the Kerala University of Health and Sciences (KUHS) fixing the date for the III Professional MBBS Degree Part II Regular/Supplementary Examinations from 31/3/2022 onwards.

(2.) As common issues are raised, all these writ petitions are taken up and disposed of by a common judgment. Reference to parties and exhibits shall be as described in W.P.(C) No. 10737/2022 unless otherwise stated.

(3.) The petitioners contend that the MBBS Course is split up into 9 semesters consisting of three phases. Every student is expected to undergo a period of certified study extending over 41/2 academic years divided into 9 semesters of six months each from the date of commencement of her/his study for the subjects comprising the medical curriculum to the date of completion of examination followed by one year compulsory rotating internship. The final year falls in the third phase and it consists of semesters 8 and 9. As per Ext.P2 Regulations issued by the KUHS, the Colleges have to conduct a minimum of 44 weeks of classes for the 8th and 9th semesters, out of which three hours a day is set apart for clinical posting, two hours for theory classes and the balance of two hours is set apart for practicals and seminars. In other words, the final year students have to undergo 738 hours of clinical postings, 492 hours of theory classes in clinical subjects and 492 hours for practical and seminars. Such a strict regimen is put in place to ensure that a student who is graduated becomes fully equipped to handle a human being who approaches the physician for his treatment. The Regulations mandate that only a candidate who has undergone the prescribed duration of study is eligible to qualify for a Degree.