Bengaluru: In a recent ruling, the Karnataka High Court has declined to grant a mercy attempt to an MBBS student who had exceeded the prescribed limit of four attempts to clear her first-year Biochemistry exams.
Case Background
The petitioner, Miss Nishat R. Kolyal, had successfully cleared all subjects except for Biochemistry. She sought a compassionate plea, requesting an additional attempt to appear for both Paper I and II of Biochemistry during the September/October 2025 session. Represented by advocate Chandrakanth R. Goulay, Kolyal approached the court, urging directions to various authorities, including the Union of India, the National Medical Commission (NMC), the State of Karnataka, the Directorate of Medical Education, the Karnataka Examinations Authority, and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS), to permit her a “mercy attempt.”
Court’s Observations
Justice R. Devdas, presiding over the case, emphasized that both RGUHS and the NMC explicitly stipulate a maximum of four attempts for clearing first-year subjects. The court noted that the law is clear in this regard, stating, “No court can pass an order contrary to the regulations and norms prescribed by the university.” While acknowledging the petitioner’s predicament, the court held that judicial sympathy cannot override statutory mandates. Consequently, the writ petition was dismissed, with the court stating that it could not grant any relief inconsistent with the norms governing medical education.
Legal Precedent
This decision underscores the judiciary’s adherence to established academic regulations and the limitations of judicial intervention in matters governed by statutory norms. The ruling reinforces the principle that courts cannot bend rules, even in cases presented on compassionate grounds, when such actions would contravene established regulations.
Conclusion
The Karnataka High Court’s decision serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to academic regulations and the limitations of judicial intervention in educational matters. Students are encouraged to be aware of and comply with the prescribed norms to avoid such situations.