Gian Sagar College case: High Court puts state on notice

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 12

The Punjab and Haryana High Court today put the State of Punjab on notice on a petition for directing Gian Sagar Medical College to immediately commence first year MBBS classes.

The notice by the vacation Bench of Justice Deepak Sibal for April 18 came on a petition filed by Raghav Mittal and other students through counsel Puneet Gupta. Appearing on the petitioner’s behalf, Gupta contended that the classes were not held since February 1 “due to ongoing tussle between the management, teaching staff and the paramedical staff”.

Gupta added that the state government too had failed to take action or intervene in the matter despite repeated written requests.

Alternatively, directions were sought to the respondent state government to discharge its obligation and take all obligatory steps for taking over the respondent-college and impart medical education or else relocate the petitioner-students in other medical colleges.

Gupta submitted that first-year classes commenced on October 1, 2016, and continued till January 31. All petitioners had 100 per cent attendance in both theory and practical classes.

However, suddenly on February 1 the entire teaching faculty along with the paramedical staff went on strike due to non-payment of salaries by the college management. He further submitted that even the hospital had been closed down.

A total of 100 MBBS students were admitted for 2016-2017 session. The petitioners are suffering on daily basis. Even electricity connection was unavailable. All petitioners and other students were sent home by the college and the hostel too was closed.

The preliminary examination for first year MBBS course was scheduled to commence from May and the final examinations were scheduled to be held in June. The petitioners, as such, were on the verge of losing one academic year.

The Petition 

A total of 100 MBBS students were admitted to Gian Sagar Medical College for 2016-2017 session. Classes are not being held since February 1 due to ongoing tussle between the management, teaching staff and the paramedical staff. The preliminary examination for first year MBBS course was scheduled to commence from May and the final examinations were scheduled to be held in June. The petitioners are on the verge of losing one academic year.