MedicalTransfer – Supreme Court Directs AIIMS to Examine IIT Student Seeking Institute Change
MedicalTransfer – The Supreme Court has instructed AIIMS, New Delhi, to establish a specialized medical board to evaluate the health condition of an IIT-Kharagpur student who has requested a transfer to IIT-Roorkee due to medical reasons. The court’s decision aims to ensure that the student’s request is assessed through an independent medical evaluation before any final decision is made.
Supreme Court Issues Interim Directions
During the hearing on Wednesday, a bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan noted that the admission deadline for IIT-Roorkee is scheduled for July 17, 2026. Considering the limited time available, the court directed IIT-Roorkee to reserve one seat for the petitioner until the case is finally decided. The judges clarified that this arrangement would remain subject to the outcome of the ongoing writ petition. The matter has now been listed for further hearing on July 29, while AIIMS has been asked to submit its medical assessment before that date.
Student Cites Mental Health Concerns
The petitioner, who is currently enrolled in the architecture programme at IIT-Kharagpur, informed the court that he has been undergoing treatment for depression. According to his submission, the specialised therapy required for his recovery is not available at his present institute. He stated that he has been receiving continuous medical care in Chandigarh and believes that shifting to IIT-Roorkee would allow him to continue treatment more effectively because of the accessibility of similar healthcare facilities.
Transfer Request Based on Existing Regulations
Representing the student, counsel argued that the transfer request is consistent with the rules governing transfers on medical grounds within the IIT system. The petitioner claimed that he had formally applied for the transfer on August 6, 2025. However, despite the applicable regulations requiring the formation of a medical board to examine such requests, no board was reportedly constituted to evaluate his medical condition. The plea maintained that the prescribed procedure was not followed, resulting in unnecessary delay in considering the application.
IIT Raises Academic Concerns
Appearing for the institute, counsel for IIT acknowledged the student’s medical situation and told the court that the institution had complete sympathy for his circumstances. At the same time, it expressed concern over differences in the academic structure and curriculum offered by IIT-Kharagpur and IIT-Roorkee. According to the institute, these variations could create practical challenges if the transfer is approved.
Court Emphasises Merit-Based Admission
While hearing the submissions, Justice B V Nagarathna observed that the petitioner had earned admission to the IIT system through merit. The court did not accept the argument that curriculum differences alone should prevent consideration of the student’s request. Instead, it focused on ensuring that an independent medical opinion is obtained before any further decision is taken.
The Supreme Court’s latest order highlights the importance of following established procedures in cases involving medical transfer requests while balancing academic considerations with the health and well-being of students. The medical board’s report is expected to play a significant role when the matter returns before the court later this month.