AKIN SAROYA Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners are seeking quashing of the action of respondent No. 3-College, whereby tuition fee has been charged for the 'internship period ', which according to the petitioners is illegal as no study or examination is conducted during such period and to the contrary, they are to perform duties as provisionally registered veterinary doctors as per the regulations of the Veterinary Council of India ( 'VCI '). Further prayer is made to command the respondent No.3-College to pay internship allowance to the petitioners at par with the allowance being paid by other Colleges/Universities, regulated by the VCI.

(2.) The relevant facts are being noticed from CWP-844-2020 for the purpose of brevity and ease of reference.

(3.) Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioners have argued that the VCI Regulations make it abundantly clear that the interns are to perform all activities of assisting veterinary doctors at the units where they are posted, including emergency service, night duties in hospitals, even on holidays. It is for this reason that the payment of internship allowance is mandated under the regulations, apart from facilities like boarding/lodging, free transportation etc. It is contended that the impugned action of the respondent-college results in taking away even the meagre amount of internship allowance that is being paid, and is thus against the statutory regulations and is required to be set aside.