In a landmark judgment reinforcing the integrity of educational admissions, the Delhi High Court has categorically rejected a plea for the recovery of Rs 30 lakh, allegedly paid as a bribe for securing an MBBS seat at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Justice Jasmeet Singh, presiding over the case, delivered a strong message against corruption and the misuse of legal avenues to justify unlawful acts.
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Justice Singh, in his observation, emphasized the role of the judiciary in upholding lawful conduct, especially in matters of education. He stated,
“Court cannot come to the aid of an unlawful object which is forbidden by law… What will happen to the nation if people can get admission into AIIMS by paying money? It is because of people like you that scamsters flourish. You jumped the queue and thought your child is more important than others.”
This statement not only highlights the court’s commitment to fairness but also points to the broader societal implications of such corrupt practices.
Delving into the specifics of the case, Justice Singh declared the agreement between the parties void ab initio, meaning it was invalid from the beginning. He pointed out that the recovery of the alleged bribe money was barred under Section 23 of the Indian Contract Act, 1972. This section pertains to contracts with unlawful objects or considerations, rendering them legally unenforceable.
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The Court’s order further detailed the seriousness of the issue, noting,
“In the present case, the appellant is guilty of perpetuating an illegality. It is a known fact that AIIMS is one of the most premiere institutes of medicine in India. The children securing admission spend hours and hours in preparing themselves for the entrance at AIIMS. The seats in the MBBS course at AIIMS are not for sale. The appellant may be gullible but this court cannot come to the assistance of a person who has participated in the illegality as noted above.”
In conclusion, the Delhi High Court found no fault in the trial court’s decision and thus rejected the plea. This ruling stands as a testament to the judiciary’s stance against corruption in educational institutions, particularly in prestigious institutes like AIIMS, where admission is a matter of merit and hard work, not financial influence. The judgment serves as a deterrent to those attempting to bypass the legal and ethical pathways to education and career advancement in India.
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