Supreme Court Seeks Urgent Solution for CPS PG Medical Students After Bombay High Court Derecognition

Supreme Court Seeks Urgent Solution for CPS PG Medical Students After Bombay High Court Derecognition

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has stepped in to address the uncertainty faced by postgraduate students of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPS), Mumbai, after the Bombay High Court upheld the derecognition of CPS's medical courses by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

What Triggered the Crisis?

The Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the NMC derecognized all CPS courses on August 16, 2024, citing non-compliance with the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. CPS, an autonomous educational body, had positioned itself as an equivalent examining authority to the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), which is a government entity. However, as per regulatory norms, only credentialed government bodies can recognize, permit, and award medical qualifications.

Bombay High Court's Decision

Earlier this year, the Bombay High Court dismissed CPS's plea challenging the derecognition of its courses. It also allowed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Dr. Suhas Pingle (former President, Maharashtra Medical Council), which argued that CPS courses were illegal and lacked appropriate regulatory permissions. The court determined that CPS operated outside its authority and failed to meet the standards required under national regulations.

Supreme Court Steps In

With hundreds of students awaiting examinations and their professional futures in jeopardy, Senior Advocates Vikas Singh and Sanjay R Hegde urged the Supreme Court to permit the conduct of CPS exams, at least subject to further judicial decision. Recognizing the urgency and gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court has asked Attorney General R Venkataramani to explore temporary solutions—primarily to ensure that students are not abandoned amidst institutional disputes.

The Court stated:

"We are conscious that this litigation has something to do with the future of hundreds of students. Today, the only concern is about the examination to be conducted by CPS. We request the learned Attorney General to intervene and assist this Court..."
The Attorney General was given three weeks to report back on possible arrangements to safeguard student interests.

The Background: Persistent Controversy

CPS Mumbai has a legacy of over 100 years in medical education, offering diplomas, fellowships, and certificates. However, its courses have come under scrutiny due to persistent gaps reported by the Maharashtra Medical Council. Multiple states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Karnataka, have either reduced their intake for CPS courses or discontinued their recognition altogether. The central government committee and NMC have repeatedly assessed the deficiencies, which culminated in the recent deregulation moves.

Current Status and Next Steps

The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for October 8, 2025, marking a crucial deadline for the Attorney General to present viable solutions. Until then, affected students and medical aspirants await clarity on their examinations and career pathways.

Key Takeaways for CPS Students and Stakeholders

• All CPS PG medical courses remain derecognized by NMC and are not currently eligible for valid national registration.
• The Supreme Court is prioritizing interim relief for students while broader questions about CPS's legitimacy are pending.
• Students are advised to closely monitor official court updates and notices over the coming weeks.

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