On May 12, 2025, the Madhya Pradesh High Court issued a stern directive summoning senior officials from the Madhya Pradesh Nursing Council and the Indian Nursing Council to appear in person. This action was taken in response to their non-compliance with previous court orders related to a public interest litigation (PIL) alleging irregularities in the recognition of nursing colleges.

A division bench comprising Justice Sanjay Dwivedi and Justice Achal Kumar Paliwal expressed concern over the respondents’ lack of cooperation, suggesting an attempt to conceal alleged illegalities. The court emphasized that no applications for exemption from personal appearance would be entertained and directed the Principal Secretary of Public Health and Medical Education to ensure the presence of the summoned officials.

The PIL centers on claims that approximately 600–700 nursing colleges were granted recognition for the 2020–21 session without adhering to proper procedures. Despite court orders, the Madhya Pradesh Nursing Council reportedly provided documentation for only 44 colleges. In response, the petitioners filed interim applications on May 9, seeking contempt proceedings against the authorities for failing to comply with orders dated March 13, March 18, and April 4, 2025.

The court has been monitoring this matter for nearly three years and has previously directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct an inquiry into the alleged irregularities.

Sources