Authority: High Court of Odisha at Cuttack

Order Date: 16th October 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Petitioner – DRIEMS University, Tangi, Cuttack; Opposite Party – Directorate of Medical Education & Training, Odisha, Bhubaneswar.
  • Nature of Proceeding: Writ petition under Articles 226 & 227 seeking renewal of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for undergraduate (BOT, BPT) and postgraduate (MPT, MOT) allied health care courses.
  • Background: The university had previously received NOC renewals for earlier academic years. Renewal for the year 2024 onward was denied due to the absence of a valid Fire Safety Certificate, which the university claimed to have obtained in February 2026 (Annexure‑8).
  • Admission Timeline: Original last date for admission to nursing courses was 30 September 2026; subsequently extended to 31 October 2026 (Annexure‑11).
  • Earlier Judicial Direction: In W.P.(C) No.7990 of 2026, the Court on 13 August 2026 allowed similarly situated institutions to apply for NOC renewal by paying an extra Rs. 50,000, with a final application deadline of 24 August 2026. The order was expressly stated as a one‑time measure with no precedential value.
  • Contentions: The petitioner argued that the extension of the admission deadline warranted a fresh opportunity to apply for NOC renewal. The opposite party contended that the earlier order was a one‑time measure and should not be extended to the petitioner.
  • Judicial Reasoning: The Court noted that while the earlier order was a one‑time measure, the factual change—extension of the admission deadline—creates a similar circumstance warranting parity. Citing State of Odisha vs. Priyambada Pattanaik (SLP No.10598 of 2024), the Court held that identical facts in the same State justify applying the same relief.

Final Outcome

  • The Court permits DRIEMS University to submit its NOC renewal application on or before 17 October 2026 (either through the e‑Portal or physically).
  • The university must deposit an additional amount of Rs. 60,000 over and above the regular fees, reflecting its failure to make a diligent attempt before the earlier deadline.
  • Upon receipt of the application, the concerned authorities are directed to act in accordance with law and render a decision preferably on or before 27 October 2026.
  • No further extensions will be granted; failure to comply by the stipulated dates will result in the application being dismissed.

Topics: NOC Renewal, Allied Health Education, Court Order