Case Note & Summary
The case involved an appeal by the Registrar of Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences against a judgment of the Karnataka High Court regarding the eligibility of a candidate, G. Hemlatha, for admission to a post-graduate course in M.Sc (Nursing). The respondent had completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with 54.71% marks, falling short of the 55% requirement set by the Indian Nursing Council. After obtaining a certificate of eligibility based on rounding-off, she was admitted to the course but faced challenges regarding her eligibility during examinations. The Single Judge of the High Court ruled in her favor, allowing rounding-off of her marks to 55%. However, the Division Bench declined to entertain the appeal against this ruling. The Supreme Court examined whether such rounding-off was permissible under the law. It referenced a similar case where the court had previously ruled against rounding-off eligibility criteria, emphasizing that strict adherence to prescribed standards is necessary to ensure fairness among all candidates. The court concluded that no statutory provision allowed for rounding-off in this context and that the Division Bench had erred in its decision. The appeal was disposed of, affirming the need for strict compliance with eligibility criteria without any rounding-off, while clarifying that this ruling would not adversely affect the respondent's service status.
Headnote
A) Education Law - Admission Criteria - Rounding-off Marks - Indian Nursing Council Act, Not mentioned - The court held that eligibility criteria prescribed for qualifying examinations must be strictly adhered to and that rounding-off marks is impermissible, as it could lead to injustice to other candidates. The Division Bench of the High Court erred in allowing rounding-off of marks to make the respondent eligible for admission (Paras 10-10).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the eligibility criteria for admission to the PG course in M.Sc (Nursing) can be relaxed by applying the principle of rounding-off.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, holding that rounding-off of marks for eligibility criteria is impermissible and must be strictly adhered to.
Law Points
- Eligibility criteria
- rounding-off marks
- judicial discretion
- statutory rules
- admission standards
