Court Also Addresses Challenge to NEET PG 2025 Two-Shift Policy Amid Concerns of Unfairness
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said it will hear in July 2025 a plea challenging the non-payment of stipends to MBBS students undergoing internships. The matter, currently listed before a bench led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, was urgently mentioned before Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih.
The petitioners’ counsel stressed the urgency of the matter, highlighting that medical interns were receiving zero stipends, despite earlier court directives to ensure compliance. “The stipend of medical students is not being given… the matter didn’t come up on May 19 as scheduled,” the counsel said.
Responding to the request, the CJI confirmed that the matter will be listed before Justice Dhulia’s bench during his sitting period in July.
CJI: “When is he supposed to sit in vacation?”
Advocate: “July.”
CJI: “Then we will list it before him.”
Court Previously Directed NMC To Submit Compliance Report
In April 2024, the Court had directed the National Medical Commission (NMC) to submit a detailed report on stipend practices in medical colleges across all states. However, the NMC reportedly failed to provide comprehensive data, despite a clear order issued earlier on September 15, 2023, mandating the filing of a tabulated report detailing:
- Whether 70% of medical colleges are not paying interns or are paying below-minimum stipends.
- What steps the NMC is taking to enforce stipend payment norms.
Another related plea regarding the non-payment of stipends to foreign medical graduates (FMGs) interning in Indian hospitals is also under consideration by the bench of Justice Dhulia and Justice K Vinod Chandran.
Challenge to NEET PG 2025 Two-Shift Policy Also Mentioned
During the proceedings, the counsel also flagged a separate petition challenging the National Board of Examinations (NBE) decision to conduct NEET PG 2025 in two shifts. The petition argues that the two-shift format could lead to inequitable evaluation, as candidates may face question papers of varying difficulty, a concern previously raised in NEET PG 2024.
The plea demands that NEET PG 2025 be conducted in a single shift to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants. The Supreme Court had earlier agreed to hear this matter in the last week of May 2025.
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