BUNNY Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners in these three cases have passed the B.D.S. examination from the Punjabi University, Patiala. They claim to have completed the internship. They pray that a writ of Mandamus be issued directing the Punjab Dental Council to include their names in Part-A of the register maintained in terms of Section 31 of the Dentists Act, 1948.

(2.) The respondents contest the petitioners' claim on the ground that they have not studied in an institution which may have been opened "with the previous permission of the Central Government" as contemplated under Section 10-A. Thus, the degree awarded to the petitioners is not a recognised dental qualification. Consequently, the petitioners are not entitled to the inclusion of their names in the register maintained under Section 31.

(3.) The short question that arises for consideration is - Do the petitioners possess a recognised dental qualification so as to be eligible for the inclusion of their names in Part-A of the register as contemplated under Section 31 of the 1948 Act?