HC to DCI: Is serious medical condition, not a basis for compassionate grounds?

The High Court of Karnataka on Friday sought to know from the Dental Council of India (DCI) what constitues "compassionate grounds" according to it, for rejecting a request for migration of a dental student suffering from Cervical Spondylytis.

The court issued notices to the DCI and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGHUS) while hearing the matter.

Justice B V Nagarathna was hearing a petition filed by Trishathi, a second year student of Maaruti College of Dental Sciences. She has moved the court challenging the rejection of her request by the DCI with regard to migration to a college near Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), where she is undergoing treatment for Cervical Spondylytis
Cervical Spondylytis is a condition that affects the joints and discs in the neck. It causes chronic severe pain and stiffness of the neck.

The petitioner has sought for issuance of directions to the DCI to approve her request for migration from Maaruti College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bannerghatta to VS Dental College and Hospital which is on the KIMS premises.

The petitioner has cited that it is difficult for her to attend college and travel for treatment.  

She has also obtained ''No Objection Certificates'' from both the educational institutions. In spite of this, her request was rejected by the DCI.

The DCI has rejected her request citing that her request does not fall under consideration for compassionate grounds.  

According to the DCI, provisions of the BDS Course Regulations, 2007 cites that migration from one college to other is permitted on compassionate grounds on only two conditions - death of supporting guardian or disturbed conditions as declared by the government in a dental college area.  

Justice Nagarathna asked if a serious medical condition is not a reason for compassionate ground, then what is?.

The bench stated that the petitioner suffers from a medical condition and should be considered under compassionate grounds and adjourned the matter to December 5.