DME Directed to Return Original Documents or Face Contempt
Granting interim relief to a postgraduate medical student who left his course midway alleging ragging, nepotism, and favouritism, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the Director of Medical Education (DME) to return his original documents. The court warned that failure to comply would invite further contempt proceedings.
Earlier Order Not Complied With
The court had earlier passed an order on February 19, 2026, directing the management of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College (MGM College), Indore, and the DME to return all original documents to the petitioner. However, the authorities failed to act on the direction, prompting the doctor to file a contempt plea.
Court Criticises ‘Technicalities’
Hearing the matter, Single Bench Judge Justice Jai Kumar Pillai observed that the candidate could not be harassed over simple technicalities when the documents were admittedly in the possession of the DME. The court remarked that the petitioner should not have been compelled to initiate contempt proceedings for enforcement of a clear order.
Allegations of Ragging and Mental Distress
The petitioner, an MBBS graduate from the Scheduled Tribe category, had secured an All India Rank of 79,171 in NEET-PG 2020 and was allotted an MS Gynaecology seat by the DME. He later vacated the seat, alleging extensive ragging, nepotism, and favouritism, which reportedly led to severe mental distress and even a suicide attempt, as stated in his petition filed through senior advocate Aditya Sanghi.
₹30 Lakh Seat Leaving Bond Dispute
After discontinuing the course, the college allegedly withheld his original documents and demanded ₹30 lakh under the state’s seat leaving bond policy. The petitioner expressed his inability to pay the amount, citing financial hardship and his tribal background. The bond policy mandates payment for students who leave postgraduate medical courses mid-way to prevent seat blocking.
Challenge to Stringent Bond Policy
The petitioner’s counsel argued that the high bond amount was unjustified, especially when several PG seats remain vacant. Reference was also made to discussions in the Lok Sabha on February 9, 2024, where the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that the National Medical Commission had advised states to review stringent bond policies.
Urgency Due to MPPSC Recruitment
Meanwhile, the doctor had applied for the post of Medical Officer through an advertisement issued by the MP Public Service Commission on August 8, 2024. He received acknowledgement on January 20, 2026, and was scheduled for an interview on March 5, 2026. As submission of original documents was mandatory by February 23, 2026, their return became crucial for his candidature.
Court Sets Deadline, Next Hearing in March
Considering the circumstances, the High Court directed the authorities to return the original documents by March 2, 2026, failing which further contempt action may follow. The matter has been listed for further hearing in the week commencing March 9, 2026. The petitioner’s counsel described the order as a significant relief, noting that without original documents, the doctor would be unable to join any service and earn his livelihood.
