Authority: Supreme Court of India, Civil Appellate Jurisdiction

Order Date: 06-10-2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) – Appellant; Shivganga Ayurvedic Medical College and Research Centre – Respondent.
  • Background: The college applied for approval of 100 seats in the Undergraduate (BAMS) course for AY 2024‑25. A Letter of Permission was granted on 30‑09‑2024. The Minimum Standards Regulations, effective 01‑05‑2024, required biometric attendance (AEBAS) for students and staff. The college failed to implement this, and on inspection, deficiencies were noted.
  • Subsequent Actions: For AY 2026‑27, an inspection on 27‑03‑2026 found further deficiencies. The Appellant issued three orders on 04‑09‑2026, 09‑09‑2026 and 16‑09‑2026, imposing a fine of Rs 1 crore on the college and Rs 1.5 lakhs on each faculty member who was present only on paper, directing their suspension, and denying the 100‑seat request.
  • High Court Intervention: The college filed a writ petition (WP No. 4686/2026). The High Court, on 23‑09‑2026, quashed the three orders, substituted them with a penalty of Rs 25 lakhs payable to the Commission within two weeks, directed the college to remove deficiencies by 31‑12‑2026, allowed participation in the admission process, and restored codes for 19 faculty members.
  • Supreme Court Review: The Supreme Court noted that the High Court did not discuss the reasons for its directions and that the Appellants were not given a proper opportunity to contest the writ petition. While not expressing an opinion on the merits, the Court decided to set aside the High Court order and restore the writ petition for proper adjudication.

Final Outcome

  • The impugned High Court order dated 23‑09‑2026 is set aside.
  • Writ Petition No. 4686 of 2026 is restored to its original number.
  • The High Court will rehear the matter, examine the parties, and decide the issues in accordance with law.
  • All pending interlocutory applications, if any, are disposed of.

Topics: Regulatory Compliance, Higher Education, Legal Proceedings