Education – Supreme Court Allows Medical Transfer of IIT Student to Roorkee Campus
Education – The Supreme Court has allowed an architecture student from IIT Kharagpur to shift to IIT Roorkee after considering his medical condition. The decision came after the court found that the transfer would help the student continue his treatment while pursuing his education.
Court Grants Relief on Medical Grounds
The Supreme Court on Thursday approved the transfer of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur student to IIT Roorkee, citing exceptional medical circumstances. A bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan exercised its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure that the student receives the necessary academic documents for completing the transfer process. The judges directed IIT Kharagpur to issue the transfer or migration certificate, along with all other required records, within one week.
Student Raised Concerns Over Access to Treatment
According to the petition placed before the court, the student argued that the refusal to permit his transfer had significantly affected his ability to receive essential medical care. He stated that relocating to IIT Roorkee would allow him to stay closer to the support system needed for his treatment while continuing his studies in architecture without interruption.
The petition further claimed that IIT Kharagpur had previously approved similar medical transfers in other cases, making the rejection in his case inconsistent with earlier decisions.
Medical Condition Explained in Petition
Court documents stated that the student has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, a condition that requires continuous medical attention and professional supervision. The petition explained that his treatment includes repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, a non-invasive procedure recommended by medical specialists. It also highlighted the importance of regular parental care during the treatment period.
The student maintained that remaining at his current campus made it difficult to access these medical services, which are considered important for his ongoing recovery and overall well-being.
Supreme Court Invokes Constitutional Powers
While delivering its order, the Supreme Court observed that the interests of justice would be best served by allowing the student to complete the transfer. The bench directed IIT Kharagpur to complete all formalities related to the migration and provide every document required for his admission to IIT Roorkee within the specified time frame.
The judges noted that the order was passed after carefully considering the unique health circumstances presented in the case. At the same time, the court clarified that the student would remain responsible for fulfilling all admission requirements, including payment of fees and any other financial obligations applicable at IIT Roorkee.
Earlier Medical Assessment Ordered by the Court
Before reaching its final decision, the Supreme Court had instructed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to conduct a medical evaluation of the student. The assessment formed part of the proceedings and helped the court understand the seriousness of the medical condition before issuing its final directions.
The ruling reflects the court’s consideration of exceptional medical needs while ensuring that academic requirements are also respected. By permitting the transfer, the bench sought to balance the student’s educational continuity with access to appropriate healthcare, allowing him to continue his studies without compromising necessary medical treatment.