Authority: High Court of Odisha, Cuttack
Order Date: 13 August 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: A batch of 31 educational institutions (e.g., Pramila Devi Para Medical Training Institute, Susiladevi Institute of Health and Technology, Caring Hands School of Nursing, Kuntala Devi College of Nursing, Sai Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, etc.) seeking renewal of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for courses such as DMLT, GNM, D. Pharma, B.Sc Nursing for the academic year 2026‑27.
- Opposite Parties: State of Odisha, represented by the Director, Medical Education and Training (DMET) and the State Board of Pharmacy.
- Background: All petitioners had obtained NOCs for previous years but missed the statutory deadline of 15 January 2026 for renewal applications for 2026‑27. They argued that admission processes continue until 30 September 2026 and that denying NOCs would jeopardise institutional survival and student interests.
- Legal Question: Whether the court can, on equitable grounds, allow a one‑time extension of the NOC application deadline despite the statutory cut‑off.
Final Outcome
1. The court grants a one‑time extension allowing the petitioners to apply for renewal of NOCs by 24 August 2026.
2. Applicants must submit hard and soft copies of all required documents along with the statutory fees and an additional fine of ₹50,000 for delayed filing.
3. The authorities (DMET and State Board of Pharmacy) must process the applications and render a decision by 11 September 2026.
4. If institutions are found eligible, the approval will be posted on the respective council’s website and admission procedures.
5. No further extensions will be entertained for any institution; the order is limited to the present batch and holds no precedential value.
6. The writ petitions are disposed of in accordance with the above directions.
Topics: NOC Renewal, Education Regulation