The Supreme Court sees a policy deficit on Compulsory Rural Service For Medical Students, and has asked the Union to state its stand on policy when the matter returns next week.
New Delhi: Hearing a challenge to Karnataka’s notification that makes one year of public rural service compulsory for medical students before they can obtain permanent registration with the Karnataka Medical Council, the Supreme Court on Tuesday (October 27) said the matter will be taken up next week for the Union’s stand on policy [Medical Students (Private Seats) v. State of Karnataka].
The Bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha heard Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati for the Union and Senior Advocate Raju. It said a constitutional requirement would be formulated as a guiding principle, with detailed consultation with the States.
Where the Bench sees a gap
Justice Narasimha observed that there is a policy deficit. Senior Advocate Raju pressed for a compulsory-service requirement, drawing on Article 21 and the Directive Principles. He called one year a reasonable period and suggested that the Union could give effect to it through executive instructions.
ASG Bhati responded that the issue affects every State. She proposed a consultative exercise and asked that the Court not make it a mandate.
Justice Narasimha clarified that his suggestion is not a mandate, and asked for reflection on rural service, the constitutional right to health and rural needs. He also expressed concern about access to healthcare shifting towards private hospitals.
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What the Union told the Court
On uniformity, ASG Bhati said a committee had recommended uniform bonds, but that a uniform standard cannot be directed centrally because State practices vary. Justice Narasimha sought clarity on a policy requiring visits to rural areas as part of the process.
The Union’s position in paragraph 30 of the National Medical Commission’s affidavit, she explained, relates only to compulsory rotating internships for postgraduate students. She offered to undertake a fresh exercise if the Court wished.
From a 2023 notification to the Supreme Court
Under Karnataka’s Compulsory Service Training by Candidates Completed Medical Courses Act, 2012, and its 2015 Rules, MBBS, postgraduate and super-speciality candidates who studied in a government institution or on a government seat must put in one year of public rural service. A notification dated July 28, 2023 widened the requirement to students on private seats in private and deemed universities. The No-Objection Certificate needed for permanent registration with the Karnataka Medical Council issues only once the service is done.
The petitioners, students admitted on private seats, contend that the far higher fees they pay set them apart under Article 14. They seek directions for the NOC without a rural service affidavit and for their permanent registration. The Court issued notice in May 2024. On August 7, 2026, a Bench of Justice P.S. Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe favoured a uniform national policy on compulsory rural service, observing that state subsidies are central to medical education, and the Solicitor General agreed to seek the Centre’s instructions.
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Next week
The matter returns next week, when the Union is to place its stand on policy. Justice Narasimha said a constitutional requirement would be formulated as a guiding principle, after detailed consultation with the States.
The Court has taken no final view on the validity of the Karnataka notification or on the petitioners’ claim for exemption, and the students’ contentions remain to be decided.
Case Title: Medical Students (Private Seats) v. State of Karnataka (descriptive; case number not available)
Bench: Bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha, Supreme Court of India
Date of Hearing: October 27, 2026
Appearances: Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati for the Union of India; Senior Advocate Raju
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SEO | keyword: Compulsory Rural Service For Medical Students | title: Compulsory Rural Service For Medical Students: Supreme Court Flags Policy Deficit | desc: Compulsory Rural Service For Medical Students: Supreme Court flags policy deficit in Karnataka challenge, seeks Union’s stand next week after ASG Bhati’s plea. | slug: rural-service-medical-students | alt: Supreme Court of India building, where a challenge to Karnataka’s one-year compulsory rural service for medical graduates was heard