SC to examine if person with low vision can pursue MBBS

The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to examine whether a person suffering from 'low vision' can be allowed to pursue MBBS course and treat patients.

A vacation bench of justices U U Lalit and Deepak Gupta issued notices to the Centre and the Gujarat government on a plea filed by a student, Purswani Ashutosh suffering from 'low vision' who has cleared the NEET 2018 for admission to MBBS course.

He sought a direction for issuance of disability certificate as per law so that he could take admission.

"If you talk about any other profession like legal or teaching, it can be understood that even a blind person can successfully pursue the career. As far as MBBS is concerned, we have to see, how much it is feasible and possible," the bench told his counsel.

Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde and advocate Govind Jee, appearing for the minor student, said that there was already a provision for reservation of 5% seats of total intake capacity in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

He said that a direction should be issued to the Centre and Gujarat government for implementing the reservation scheme for persons with benchmark disability.

In a landmark decision, the apex court had on September 24, 2017, opened the doors for colour-blind students to pursue MBBS course by ordering admission of two such candidates, who had scored high marks in the entrance examination.

In the instant case, the court directed the student to appear before a committee of B J Medical College, Ahmedabad within three days and get himself examined on his claims of 'low vision'. The court put the matter for consideration before the appropriate bench on July 3.