Holding

Internal assessment marks cannot be clubbed with external examination marks for determining pass in theory (including orals) and practicals; therefore, the University’s clauses 56(2) and 57 are in consonance with MCI Regulation 12 and are valid.

Summary

The Maharashtra University of Health Sciences prescribed, through its 2002 Ordinance, that internal assessment marks (20% of total) are to be used only for eligibility and aggregate calculation, while theory (including orals) and practicals are to be passed on the basis of external examination marks alone. A group of MBBS students challenged this, arguing that the Medical Council of India (MCI) Regulation 12(4) required internal assessment marks to be clubbed with external marks for determining pass in theory and practicals, relying on an MCI clarification letter. The Bombay High Court accepted the students' view and set aside the university's marks. On appeal, the Supreme Court held that Regulation 12(4) plainly excludes internal assessment from the theory and practical heads, that the university's clauses are consistent with MCI regulations, and that the MCI clarification cannot override the clear statutory language. Consequently, the university's interpretation was upheld and the High Court judgment was reversed.

Issues considered

The validity of clauses 56(2) and 57 of the University Ordinance 2002 in light of MCI Regulation 12(2) and 12(4).
Whether internal assessment marks may be clubbed with external examination marks for the purpose of passing theory (including orals) and practicals.
Whether the MCI's clarification letter dated 17 September 2002 can be treated as a binding interpretation of Regulation 12(4).

Legislation cited

Indian Medical Council Act, 1956s. 33

Subjects

MCI Regulation 12internal assessmentexternal examinationpassing criteriamedical educationuniversity ordinanceinterpretation of regulationseligibilityaggregate marks

Judgment

MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES A
v.
PARYANI MUKESH JA WAHARLAL & ORS.

JUNE I, 2007

[R.V. RAYEEND RAN AND LOKESHWAR SINGH PANTA, JJ.] B

Maharashtra University of Health Sciences Ordinance 112002-C/auses
56(2) and 57:

Regulation 12 of MCI prescribing that of total marks in each subject, C
weightage for internal assessment by Medical College was 20% of which
student had to secure at least 35% for eligibility to final university
examination-Regulation 12(4) prescribing that for passing out in each
subject, candidate had to obtain 50% to aggregate with a minimum of 50%
in Theory including orals and 50% in Practicals-University Ordinance D
prescribing heads of passing of various courses in medical faculty as (i)
Theory-Ora/ (ii) Practical (iii) Internal Assessment (Theory + Practical):
standard of passing being not /es than 50% of marks in each of passing
heads ofrespective subjects-Vices of University Ordinance-Held-University
Ordinance was in consonance with classes (2) and (4) of MCI Regulation
12-Marks in internal assessment by Medical College could not be clubbed E
with University examination (external) marks to ascertain whether a candidate
has passed in Theory with orals, and Practicals.

Indian Medical Council Act, 1956-Regulations on Graduate Medical
Education, 1997 framed by Medical Council of India (MCI):-
F
- ,, Regulations foamed by MCI-Nature of-MCI is an expert body to
control minimum standard of medical education and to regulate their
observance-Regulations framed by it have statutory forces and are
mandatory-Universities must necessarily be guided by them-Any regulations
made by Universities inconsistent with them or diluting the crieteria as laid G
down therein will be invalid to the extent of inconsistency or dilution.

Precedent-Decision of co-ordinate Bench of High Court-Held that it
is a binding precedent for another co-ordinate Bench-If the latter wants
to take a different view judicial propriety requires it to refer the matter to
a larger Bench. 891 H
892 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007) 7 S.C.R.

A The appellant is a University having different Medical College affiliated
to it. It framed Amended University Ordinance 112002. Clause 56.2 thereof
prescribed heads of passing of various courses in their respective medical
faculty as (i) Theory +Oral; (ii) Practical; (iii) Internal Assessment (Theory
+ Practical). Clause 57 thereof prescribed the standard of passing as obtaining
of not less than 50% of marks in each of the passing heads ofthe respective
B subject

Medical Council of India (MCI), constituted under Indian Medical
Council Act. 1956 has framed Regulations on Graduate Medical Education,
1997. Regulation 12(2) thereof in clauses (ii) and (iv) prescribed respectively
C that (a) weightage for the internal assessment shall be 20% ofthl! total marks
to each subject and (b) student must secure at least 35% marks of the total
marks fixed for internal assessment in a particular subject in order to be
eligible to appear in final university examination of that subject. Regulation
12(4) thereof inter alia prescribed that in each of the subjects, a candidate
must obtain 50% in aggregate with a minimum of50%. In Theory intending
D ask and minimum of such in Practicals.

In response to a doubt about the manner of giving effect to Regulation
12(4) ibid, MCI, in a letter addressed to a Medical College in Kerala clarified
that out of the total of200 marks, 40 marks have been provided for internal
assessment (theory-20 marks and practical-20) and student has to obtain a
E minimum of50% (i.e. 20 marks) thereof; as regards obtaining 50% in theory
including orals and minimum of 50% in practical, a student had to obtain a
minimum of70 marks in theory out of a total of 140 marks (100+20+20=140)
and a minimum of 30 marks out of a total of 60 marks in practical (40+20).

F Respondents are students pursuing MBBS course in different Medical
Colleges affiliated to appellant. They appeared for the III MBBS Part II
examination. The marks secured by them, when assessed as per the 'f-·

interpretation of the appellant of Regulation 12(4) showed them as failing in
the subject, and very same marks when assessed as per their own
interpretation and that of MCI, showed them having passed the subject.
G Aggrieved by the results showing them as having failed in one or more
subjects, they filed writ petitions before High Court contending that the
appellant applied Clauses 56(2) and 57 of the Ordinance which wrongly
interpreted clauses (2) and (4) of Regulation 12 of the Regulation and sought
a declaration that these were illegal and ultra vires the Act of 1956. The High
H Court allowed the writ petitions. It departed from an earlier decision by a co-
MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEAL TH SCIENCES\.. PARY ANI MUKESH JAW AHARLAL 893

--
ordinate bench of same High Court on the grounds that (i) the minimum A
internal assessment marks required for becoming eligible to take the final
examination had been reduced from 50% to 35% under 12(2); (ii) MCI had
clarified that Regulation 12(4) permitted clubbing of internal assessment
marks with the external exami!!ation marks for the passing head of 'Theory
with Orals' and 'Practicals', and the said clarification by MCI had been
accepted by the Kerala High Court in another case. Hence the present appeal. B
Appellant contended that (a) only the marks secured in the University
examination (Externals) should be considered for ascertaining whether a
candidate has secured the required minimum marks in Theory (plus Orals)
and Practicals; (b) if the MCI Regulations had intended that the internal C
assessment marks should be clubbed with the external examination marks,
it would have specifically stated it; (c ) clauses 56(2) and 57 of amended
University Ordinance No.1/2002 merely give effect to MCI Regulation
No.12(4); (d) the intention of the Regulation Making Authority is to give pre-
eminent position to the University examination because the students are
assessed by external examiners in an objective manner; (e) the clarification D
-, relating to MCI Regulation 12(4) by some official of MCI cannot be treated
as a clarification by MCI as the Regulation Making Authority and it could
not be used to defeat the purpose and intend of the Regulation 12(4).

Respondent, supported by MCI, contended that (a) requirement of
Regulation 12(4) for obtaining minimum of 50% in Theory/Practicals means E
'Theory/Practicals (external and internal)' and not merely 'Theory/Practicals
(external)'; (b) as Theory (internal) forms parts of 'Theory' and 'Practicals
(internal)' forms part of 'Practicals', they were not specifically mentioned in
the criteria for passing stated in MCI Regulation 12(4).

- \- Allowing the appeal, the Court F
HELD 1.1. Clauses 56(2) and 57 of amended University Ordinance 1/
2002 are in consonance with clauses (2) and (4) of MCI Regulation 12. Internal
assessment marks cannot be clubbed with University examination (external)
marks to ascertain whether a candidate has passed in Theory with orals, and
Practicals. Consequently, a student has to secure marks as follows to pass in G
a subject: (i) 35% in internal l!Ssessment (for eligibility to appear for
university examination) (ii) 50% of the total marks for Theory with Orals
(only externals) (iii) 50% of the marks for Practicals/Clinicals (only
externals) (iv) 50% of the aggregate (total of externals and internals).
[Para 23] (912-B-D] H
894 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007) 7 S.C.R.

A 2.1. Clause (4) of Regulation 12 requires that a minimum of 50% in
theory including orals, should be obtained by a student. It does not say 50%
in theory including orals and internal assessment (theory). It should be
remembered that the marks are disturbed as 100 for theory (external), 20
·---
for oral (external), 40 for practical (external) plus 20 for theory (internal)
B and 20 for Practicals (internal). [Para 20] (908-H; 909-A-B]

2.2. The scheme of distribution of marks makes it clear that University
examination (external assessment) is kept separate and distinct from the
internal assessment. Regulation 12(4) when read in its normal and natural
sense, does not contemplate for clubbing of internal assessment with external
C examination. When the provisions of Regulation 12 are clear and
unambiguous, it is impermissible to add words into it. When the Regulation
requires that a candidate must obtain a minimum of 50% of marks in "theory
including orals", it is not possible to read it as 50% marks in "theory
including orals and internal (theory)". Similarly, when the Regulation provides
that a candidate must obtain a minimum of50% of marks "in practicals", it
D is not possible to read them as "in practicals and internal (practicals)".
Therefore, when the Regulation provides that a minimum of 50% of marks ·r
in theory including orals, it excludes internal assessment and it means that
the candidate should secure a minimum of 50% marks out of 120 marks
(that is 100 marks for theory and 20 marks for orals). Similarly, when the
E regulation provides'that a candidate must obtain a minimum of 50% of IJ!arks
in practicals, it means he should secure 20 out of 40 marks in practicals.
[Para 20] [909-H; 910-A-C)

3. The issue may be examined from another angle. MCI Regulation 12(2)
(iv) provides that a weightage for the internal assessment shall be 20% of
F the total marks in each subject. Thus, the weightage for internal assessment
would arise when the total marks (or aggregate) in each subject are
considered and not otherwise. That is, where the total marks are 200, internal
assessment marks would be 40 marks. Therefore, Regulation 12(4) rightly
provides that the total of 200 marks consist of 160 marks for external
(university examination) and 40 marks for internals (college assessment)
G maintaining the ratio of 80:20, thereby implementing the requirement of MCI
Regulation 12(2)(iv). But if internal assessment marks are also to be clubbed
with theory (external) marks or Practical (external) marks, it leads to absurd
and incongruous results. This demonstrates that internal assessment marks
were never intended to be clubbed with marks of university examination
H (externals) to ascertain whether a student has passed in Theory including
MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES 1·. PARYANI MUKESH JAWAHARLAL
895
Orals, and Practicals. (Para 21] (910-D-G I A
4.1. MCI has put forward different interpretations at different points of
tim~ one of its letter to a Medical College in Kerala and another in the reply
affidavit before the High Court in present case. While in the interpretation
given in the letter dated 17.9.2002, the internal assessment marks for theory
and practicals have to be added to the respective theory and practical marks B
of externals, as per the interpretation given in the reply affidavit, the entire
internal assessment marks are to be added to the practical marks of externals.
The share or proportion of internal assessment in practicals becomes
33.33% as per the stand in the letter dated 17.9.2002 and 50% as per the
stand in the reply affidavit, as against 20% provided in Regulation 12(2)(iv). C
Neither interpretation is in consonance with the specific and clear wording
of Regulation 12(4). The very fact that MCI has been interpreting Regulation
12(4) differently at different points of time, is a ground to reject such
interpretations which are contrary to the plain meaning of Regulation 12(4).
(Para 22] (910-H; 911-A-H; 912-A]
D
4.2. Merely because the Kerala High Court had accepted the clarification
'•.
of the MCI, the Bombay High Court could not have ignored a binding precedent
of a c<rordinator Bench. If it wanted to take a different view, judicial propriety
required that the matter be referred to a larger Bench.
(Para 14) (906-B-C) E
Sheetal A. Abhyankar v. Maharashtra University of Health Sciences,
[WP No. 5725 of 2003 and connected cases decided by Bombay H.C. on
12.12.2003, approved.

5. MCI has been set up as an expert body to control the minimum , F
standards of medical education and to regulate their observance. The
regulations framed by the MCI with the previous sanction of the Central
Government, in regard to any of the matters referred to in section 33 of the
Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, will have statutory force and are mandatory.
Universities must necessarily be guided by the. MCI Regulations. Any'
regulations made by the Universities which are inconsistent with the MCI G
Regulations, or which dilute the criteria laid down by MCI will not be valid to,
the extent of inconsistency or dilution. [Para 15] (906-D-E]

State of Tamil Nadu v. Adhiyaman Educational and Research Institute;
(1995] 4 sec 104; Medical Council of India v. State of Karnatka, {19981 6 H
\.

896 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 7 S.C.R.

A SCC J3 J and Dr. Preeti Srivastava v. State of Madhya Pradesh, f1997) 7 SCC
120, referred to.

CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION : Civil Appeal No. 3883 of2006.

From the Final Judgment and Order dated 23.06.2006 of the High Court
B of Judicature at Bombay in Writ Petition (L) Nos. 878, 879, 880, 881, 882, 883,
884, 885, 886, & 887 of2006.

WITH

W.P. ©Nos. 122 & 125 of2007.
c
Uday U. Lalit, Sr. Adv., Amo! Chitale, Gaurav Agrawal, Ninad Laud, Dr.
Kailash Chand and Atishi Dipankar for the Appellant.

Vinay Navare, Naresh Kumar, Ajay Sharma, D.N. Mishra, R.P. Wadhwani,
Jay Savla, Maninder Singh, Prathiba M.Singh, Gaurav Sharma and Sumeet
D Bhatia for the Respondents. ·.
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by ·r

R.V. RA VEENDRAN, J. 1. The common judgment and order dated
23.6.2006 of the Bombay High Court in Writ Petition (L) No. 887 of2006 and .
E connected cases is under challenge in this appeal by special leave. The
appeal relate to the interpretation of Regulation 12 (2)& (4) of "Regulations
on Graduate Medical Education 1997" framed by Medical Council oflndia (for
short 'MCI Regulations'). The description of appellant is permitted to be
corrected by showing the Deputy Registrar as representing the Appellant
F University, instead of the Deputy Registrar of the Appellant University being
shown as the appellant.

2. The appellant-University (referred as 'the University') was established
under the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences Act, 1998. The private
respondents ('students' for short) are prosecuting MBBS course in different
G Medical Colleges affiliated to the University. They appeared for the III MBBS
Part II examination conducted by the University in December, 2005. The
subjects were General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology
and Paediatrics. The results were published on 18.2.2006. The students were
shown as having failed in one or more subjects and as a consequence, as r.
H having failed in the examination. Feeling aggrieved, they filed writ petitions
MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES t·. PARY ANI MUKESH JA WAHARLAL IRA VEEN DR AK J.\ 897

before the Bombay High Court. They contended that the standards or criteria A
for passing adopted by the University were contrary to the MCI Regulations;
that on the marks obtained by them, they ought to have been declared as
having passed in the subjects; and that the University had shown them as
'failed' by applying Clauses 56(2) and 57 of the Amended University Ordinance
1/2002 which wrongly interpreted clauses (2) and (4) of Regulation I2 of the
MCI Regulations. They, therefore, sought a declaration that clauses 56(2) and l3
57 of the University Ordinance 1 of 2002 and the consequential University
Notification No.5 of 2006 dated 20.2.2006 were illegal and ultra vires the
Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, that is Regulation 12 of MCI Regulations
framed under section 33 of the said Act. They also sought a direction for re-
determination of their results in the failed subjects by applying and adopting C
the procedure prescribed in regulation 12 of MCI Regulations and declare
them as having passed in the subject/s and consequently the examination. In
the said writ petitions, the University, the Medical Council oflndia ('MCI' for
short) and the Medical Colleges were impleaded as respondents.

3. The High Court allowed the writ petitions by common judgment dated D
23.6.2006. It held that clauses 56(2) and 57 of amended University Ordinance
1 of 2002 is illegal and void being inconsistent with and violative of MCI
Regulation 12. It also held that MCI Regulation No.12(4) will have to be read
and understood in the manner clarified by MCI, in its letter dated 17.9.2002.
It directed the University to recalculate the marks based on the MCI's E
clarification of its Regulation 12(4). The said decision is challenge by the
University in this appeal.

Relevant provisions :

4. In exercise of the powers under section 33 of the Indian Medjcal F
Council Act 1956, the Medical Council of India with the previous sanction of
the Central Government made the "Regulations on Graduate Medical Education
1997'. Chapter IV of the Regulations relates to examinations. We extract below
relevant portions of Regulation 12 dealing with examinations:

12. Examination Regulations.
G
. Essentialities for qualifying to appear in professional examinath:ms.

The performance in essential components of training are to be
assessed, based on:

(l) Attendance : H
-~

898 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007) 7 S.C.R.

A 75% of attendance in a subject for appearing in the examination is 'r >
compulsory inclusive of attendance in non-lecture teaching i.e.
seminars, group discussions, tutorials, demonstrations, practicals,
Hospital (Tertiary, Secondary, Primary) postings and bed side clinics,
etc.

B (2) Internal Assessment :

(i) it shall be based on day-to-day assessment (see note), evaluation
of student assignment, preparation for seminar, clinical case
presentation etc;
(ii) regular periodical examinations shall be conducted throughout
c the course. The question of number of examinations is left to the
institution;
(iii) day-to-day records should be given importance during internal
assessment;

D (iv) weightage for the internal assessment shall be 20% of the total
marks in each subject;
r
(v) student must secure at least 3 5% marks of the total marks fixed
for internal assessment in a particular subject in order to be
eligible to appear in final university examination of that subject.
E Note:

Internal assessment shall relate to different ways in which students
participation in learning process during semesters is evaluated. Some
examples are as follows :

F xxxxx

(3) University Examinations :

Theory papers will be prepared by the examiners as prescribed. Nature
of questions will be-short answer type/objective type and marks for
G each part indicated separately.

Practicals/clinicals will be conducted in the laboratories or hospital
wards. Objective will be to assess proficiency in skills, conduct of
,_
experiment, interpretation of data and logical conclusion. Clinical cases
should preferably include common diseases not esoteric syndromes
H

r
MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES•·. PARVANI MUKESH JAWAHARLAL IRAVEENDRAN. J.I 899

or rare disorders. Emphasis should be on candidate's capability in A
eliciting physical 'signs and their interpretation.

Viva/oral includes evaluation of management approach and handling
of emergencies. Candidate's skill in interpretation of common
investigative data, x-rays, identification of specimens, ECG, etc., also
is to be evaluated. B
The examinations are to be designed with a view to ascertain whether
the candidate has acquired the necessary proficiency for knowledge,
minimum skills along with clear concepts of the fundamentals which
are necessary for him to carry out his professional day to day work
competently. Evaluation will be carried out on an objective basis. C
xxxxx

(4) Distribution of marks to various disciplines:

(A) First professional examination (Pre-clinical subjects) :
D
(a) Anatomy :

Theory - Two papers of 50 marks each 100 marks
Oral(Viva) 20 Marks

Practical 40 marks
E
Internal Assessment
(Theory-20; Practical-20) 40 marks

TOTAL

200 marks F

(b) xxxxxxx

(c) xxxxxxx

Pass : In each of the subjects, a candidate must obtain 50% in G
aggregate with a minimum of 50% in Theory including orals and
minimum of 50% in Practicals.

Clause (4) of MCI Regulation 12 sets out the distribution of marks to various

H
900 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007) 7 S.C.R.

A disciplines and the Heads of Passing in each subject, in respect of the
examinations relating to First Professional, Second Professional, Third
Professional Part-I, and Third Professional Part-II. We have extracted only a
portion of clause ( 4) relating to the distribution of marks in regard to one
subject - "Anatomy" (which is a first MBBS subject) by way of illustration.

B 5. When a doubt was raised about the manner of giving effect to MCI
Regulation 12(4), MCI by its letter dated 17.9.2002, addressed to a Medical
College in Kerala, gave the following clarification:

"It may be observed from the above that out of the total of200 marks
for the subject of Anatomy, 40 marks i.e. 20% of the total marks have
c been provided for internal assessment (theory - 20 marks and practical
- 20). As regards the candidate obtaining 50% in Theory including
orals and minimum of 50% in practical prescribed under "distribution
of marks of various disciplines'', it may be pointed out that so far as
Anatomy is concerned, a student has to obtain a minimum of70 marks
D in theory out of a total of 140 marks (I 00+20+ 20= 140) and a minimum
of30 marks out ofa total of60 marks in practical (40+20). Further, the
student has also to obtain a minimum of 50% of marks in internal
assessment prescribed for each subject. For example, in Anatomy, he
has to obtain a minimum of20 marks out of total 40 marks eannarked
for internal assessment. Thus there is no contradiction in the
E percentage of marks prescribed for passing of an examination as per
the regulations."

6. Ordinance I of2002 (amended) of the University regulates the conduct
of examinations by the University. The relevant clauses of the said Ordinance
are extracted below :
F
"56.2 Heads of passing of various courses in their respective faculties
will be as under :

56.2. I Medical
(i) Theory + Oral
G
(ii) Practical

(iii) Internal Assessment (Theory + Practical)

xxxxxxxx
.
-

H 56.3. The candidate to be eligible to pass in a subject shall pass in
+
MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES v. PARYANI MUKESU JAWAHARLAL 1RAVEENORAN. J.i 901
all heads of passing in the respective subject in the same attempt. A
'1
"57. , The Standard ofpassing : A candidate to be eligible to pass the
examination must have obtained not less than 50% of marks in
each of the passing heads of the respective subject."

7. The university issued the following Notification No. 5 of2006 dated B
20.2.2006 regarding the standard of passing/Heads of passing for MBBS
course :

"Based on Medical Council of India Notification No.164 dated 16th
October, 2003 and Hon'ble High Court Ruling dated 12/12/2003,
standard of passing as prescribed in Rule 57 of Ordinance 1/2002 C
(Amended) for passing in Internal Assessment Head with thirty five
percent marks is mandatory to appear in University Level Examintion
(Theory, Practical & Oral) in the respective subject.

'Head of Passing' and 'Standard of Passing' will be as under :-

Head of Passing Standard of Passing D

(A) THEORY+ ORAL 50%MARKS.

(B) PRACTICAL/CLINICAL 50%MARKS.
..
·' (C) INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 35%MARKS E
(TIIEORY +PRACTICAL) (For Eligibility)
(Refer Notification No.9/2006)
(D) AGGREGATE OF ALL THE 50%ABOVE
MENTIONED .F
HEADS OF PASSING"
-··1
Stand of the University :
8. The University contends that clause (4) of MCI Regulation No. 12,
is clear and unambiguous. It requires a candidate, to pass in a subject, to
obtain a minimum of(a) 35% in internal assessment (for eligibility), (b) 50% G
in Theory including Orals, and (c) 50% in Practicals, and (d) 50% in the
aggregate. According to the University, in respect of a subject where the
maximum marks are 200 (break-up being Theory 100, Oral 20, Practicals 40,
Internal Assessment 40 made up of 20 for Theory and 20 for Practicals), a
student to pass in the subject, should after becoming eligible by securing H
+
902 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 7 S.C.R.

A 35% in internal assessment, appear in the University examination and secure
a minimum of60 marks out of 120 marks in Theory plus Oral, and minimum
of20 marks out of 40 marks in the Practicals. He should also secure I 00 marks
out of 200 marks being the aggregate of University examination (externals)
and internal assessment. It is contended that only the marks secured in the
B University examination (Externals) should be considered for ascertaining
whether a candidate has secured the required minimum marks in Theory (plus
Orals) and Practicals; and that the internal assessment marks for Theory and
Practicals cannot be clubbed with the marks secured in the external examination
relating to Theory (plus Orals) and Practicals to find out whether a student
has passed under the head of Theory (plus Orals) and the head of Practicals.
C It is submitted that the internal assessment marks are relevant only for
providing eligibility for University examination and for purpose of passing
under the head of aggregate. It is pointed out that Rule 12(4) requires the
candidate to secure 50% in "Theory including Orals" and not 50% in "Theory, ,_1-
including Orals and internal (Theory)". Similarly Rule 12(4) requires a minimum
of 50% in "Practicals" and not "Practical plus internal (practicals)". It is
D contended that if the MCI Regulations had intended that the internal
assessment marks should be clubbed with the external examination marks,
Regulation 12(4) would have specifically stated that the candidate has to
secure minimum of50% in 'Theory including Orals and Internal (Theory)' and
minimum of 50% in 'Practicals including Internal (Practicals)'. It is pointed out
E that where the marks were to be clubbed together, the Regulation Making
Authority had specifically made a provision for such.clubbing. For example,
in respect of the head of passing of"Theory", the Regulation Making Authority
has specifically indicated that 'Orals' marks should be clubbed with Theory
marks. The submission of the University is that when MCI has deliberately
omitted and excluded internal assessment marks for passing under the head
F of Theory (plus orals) and Practicals, it is impermissible to include them under
those heads, as contended by the students and by MCI. It is submitted that
clauses 56(2) and 57 of amended University Ordinance No. l/2002 merely give
effect to MCI Regulation No.12(4) and the said clauses of the University
Ordinance are not inconsistent with MCI Regulation No.12(4).
G 9. The University also contends that the intention of the Regulation
Making Authority is to give the dominant and pre-eminent position to the
University examination, because the students are assessed by external
examiners in an objective manner. On the other hand, as the internal assessment
is done by the faculty of the Medical College where the candidates are
H
MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES v. PARYANI MUKESH JAWAHARJ.AL IRAVEENDRAN. J.I 903

students, an element of subjectivity is likely to creep in. Therefore, the A
weightage for internal assessment has been restricted to only 20% of the total
marks under MCI Regulation t2(2Xiv). It is pointed out that if MCI Regulation
12(4) is interpreted in the manner suggested by the students, instead of
maintaining the ratio of 4:1 (that is 80:20), the ratio between external examination
marks and internal assessment marks would become 2: 1 (that is 40:20) in
regard to Practicals, which is not intended. It is submitted that any process
B
or method which dilutes the external assessment result by addition of internal
assessment marks, is to be avoided. It is further submitted that Regulation
12(4) contemplates and requires a candidate should pass under distinct heads
firstly by securing 35% in internal assessment, then by securing minimum of
50% in the external examinations, that is Theory (plus Orals) and Practicals, C
and lastly by securing 50% of the aggregate (of externals and internals). This
means that internal assessment marks are to be clubbed with the examination
marks only under the head of aggregate; and for finding out whether the
student has passed in Theory (plus Orals) and Practicals, only the University
examination (external) marks are to be considered. It is contended that a
candidate who fails in the external examination (either Theory or Practicals) D
by not securing the minimum of 50%, cannot be permitted to pass the subj~ct
by borrowing from the internal assessment marks when there is a likely
chance of internal assessment marks being liberally granted by the college
faculty. The high marks that is normally associated with internal assessment,
if given undue prominence in assessing the overall performance, may defeat E
and dilute the very examination process by enabling failed students to pass
the examination. It is submitted that the students (the writ petitioners) having
failed on being assessed in the manner provided under Regulation 12(4) made
explicit under clauses 56(2) and 57 of amended University Ordinance 1/2002
cannot be permitted to contend that they have passed the subject by putting
forth a wrong interpretation of MCI Regulation 12(4). F
I 0. It is submitted that the clarification relating to MCI Regulation 12(4),
in the letter dated 17.9.2002 by some official of MCI, cannot be treated as a
clarification by MCI as the Regulation Making Authority. It is further submitted
that such clarification cannot be used to defeat the purpose and intent of the G
Regulation 12(4). Lastly, it is submitted that where the MCI Regulation is
capable of more than one interpretation, the interpretation that is chosen by
the University for formulating its examination Ordinance should prevail, as
University has an equal stake in determining the quality and content of its
examination.
H
904 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 7 S.C.R.

A Stand of the students (supported by MCI):

11. Responaents submit that each subject has a Theory segment and
a Practicals segment and each of those segments is subjected to two types
of assessment: an external assessment (by way of University examination)
and an internal assessment (by the college faculty). Regulation 12(4) requires
B a candidate to obtain minimum of 50% in Theory, which means 'Theory
(external and internal)' and not merely 'Theory (external)'. Similarly, when
Regulation 12(4) requires minimum of 50% marks in 'Practicals', it means
'Practicals (external and internal)' and not merely 'Practicals (external)'. While
interpreting the words 'Theory' and 'Practicals', the internal assessment part
C cannot be omitted or ignored. As Theory (internal) forms part of'Theory' and
'Practicals (internal)' forms part of 'Practicals', they were not specifically
mentioned in the criteria for passing stated in MCI Regulation 12(4). Only
when something which did not form part of 'Theory' had to be included, as
for example - 'Orals', it was necessary to mention it as an item to be incfuded.
It is, therefore, contended that for ascertaining whether a student has passed
D in a subject by securing the minimum of 50% in 'Theory including Orals', the
11ssessment should be with reference to 'Theory - both external and internal
as also Orals', and similarly, for Practicals, the assessment should be with
reference to 'Practicals - both external and internal.

12. Learned counsel for MCI supported the interpretation put forth by
E the students. He contended that in Medical education, internal assessment
is an important feature. Therefore MCI Regulations made final assessment of
performance of a student, a blend of external assessment and internal
assessment, by providing a weightage for internal assessment at 20% of the
total marks in each subject. Consequently such weightage should be
F incorporated under all three heads of passing, namely (i) aggregate, (ii) Theory
including orals, and (iii) Practicals. If internal assessment is to be excluded
and only the performance in the University examination is to be considered
for passing in Theory or in Practicals, it would amount to denying the
weightage for internal assessment provided in MCI Regulation l2(2)(iv). It
is submitted that the University's interpretation of Regulation 12(4) as
G manifested in Rule 56(2) and 57 of the amended University Ordinance l/2002,
violates Regulation 12(2)(iv) and 12(4) of the MCI Regulations.

High Court's view
;,

13. The High Court has accepted the interpretation put forth by the
H
+
MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEAL TH SCIENCES"· PARYANI MUKESH JAWAHARLAL IRAVEENORAN. JI 905

students, as the clarification given in MCI's letter dated 17.9.2002 (extracted A
in para 5 above) supports the said interpretation. The High Court felt that
when the Authority which made the sub-ordinate legislation clarified the
meaning of a Rule or Regulation made by it, it should be accepted by the
courts unless the resulting interpretation is absurd on contrary to the language
of the regulation. The High Court therefore neither examined the purpose of
the regulation or the wording of the regulation.
B

14. The High Court had on an earlier occasion considered the very issue
j.

relating to the validity of clauses 56(2) and 57 of amended University Ordinance
1 of 2002 in Sheetal A. Abhyankar vs. Maharashtra University of Health
Sciences [WP No. 5725 of2003 and connected cases decided on 12.12.2003].
There also the MCI had supported the contention of the students. The High
c
Court had negatived the said contention and held that clauses 56 and 57 were
in consonance with MCI Regulation 12. The High Court held :
i ..
"Apart from the fact that there is no inconsistency with Regulation
12, it will be seen that wherever the Medical Council of India or D
University desired to club certain assessment, have specifically
-"I provided for the same. Regulation 12 specifically provides while dealing
with the final examination that in order to pass in each subject the
candidate must obtain 50% in aggregate with minimum of 50% in
theory including orals and minimum of'50% in practical/clinical. The
council wherever intended to include something it specifically provided E
for it ."

..., It proceeded to hold that a student must obtain 50% in theory including orals
and 50% in practicals/clinicals and inclusion of internal assessment marks
was impermissible. Unfortunately, the earlier decision in Sheetal A. Abhya~kar
was not followed by a co-ordinate Bench in the judgment under appeal. Two F
~"
reasons are given for not following the earlier decision. The first is that the
minimum internal assessment marks required for becoming eligible to take the
final examination had been reduced from 50% to 35% by amendment to MCI
Regualtion 12(2)(v) vide Notification dated 15.10.2003. The second is that
MCI had given a clarification regarding the manner of giving effect to G
Regulation 12(4) on 17 .9.2002 which permitted clubbing of internal assessment
marks with the external examination marks, for the passing head of 'Theory
with Orals' and 'Practicals', and the said clarification by MCI had been
... accepted by the Kerala High Court in K. Fahad Mohamedv. Calicut University,
WA No. 1777 of (2002) decided on 25.9.2002 and other cases. We find that
H
906 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007) 7 S.C.R.

A neither of the two reasons given by the High Court in the judgment under
appeal for not following its earlier decision in Sheetal A. Abhyankar is valid ..
The amendment to Regulation 12(2)(v), reducing the eligibility marks in internal
assessment from 50% to 35%, was specifically noticed in para 16 of the earlier
judgment. Similarly the clarification by MCI supporting the interpretation pi•t
B forth by the students was also noticed, though the letter dated 17.9.2002 as
such was not referred. Both the two contentions were considered and rejected.
Merely because the Kerala High Court had accepted the clarification of the
MCI, the Bombay High Court could not have ignored a binding precedent of
a co-ordinate Bench. If it wanted to take a different view, judicial propriety
required that the matter be referred to a larger Bench. Be that as it may. We
C find it difficult to sustain the reasoning of the High Court in the judgment
under appeal.

What is the intent of MCI Regulation 12(4)?

15. MCI has been set up as an expert body to control the minimum
D standards of medical education and to regulate their observance. The
regulations framed by the MCI with the previous sanction of the Central
Government, in regard to any of the matters referred to in section 33 of the r-·
Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, will have statutory force and are mandatory.
Universities must necessarily be guided by the MCI Regulations. Any
regulations made by the Universities which are inconsistent with the MCI
E Regulations, or which dilute the criteria laid down by MCI will not be valid
to the extent of inconsistency or dilution. [Vide: State of Tamil Nadu v.
Adhiyaman Educational and Research Institute [1995] 4 SCC 104; Medical
Council of India v. State of Karnataka, [1998] 6 SCC 131, and Dr. Preeti
Srivastava v. State of Madhya Pradesh [1997] 7 SCC 120. It, therefore, follows
F that if clauses 56(2) and 57 of amended University Ordinance I of 2002 are
inconsistent with MCI Regulation 12(4), they will be void to the extent of )~

inconsistency. On the other hand, if the said clauses merely implement, or
make explicit what is implicit in MCI Regulation 12(4), then they will be valid
and binding.

G 16. The point in controversy in regard to interpretation of MCI
Regulation 12(4) can be understood with reference to the following illustration:
+
\4'.AHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES 1· PARY ANI MUK.ESH JAWAHARLAL IRA VEENDRAN. J.I
907
Subject Total Marks Candidates' Mark! A
I. Theory (two papers of 50 100 47
mark each)
II. Orals (Viva) Xl 12
Ill. Practicals 40 17
B
IV. Internal Assessment : -
(a) Theory Xl 16
(b) Practical 16 15
TOTAL 200 107
Regulation 12(4) provides that to pass in a subject, a candidate should C
obtain 50% in the aggregate with a minimum of 50% in Theory including
orals and minimum of 50% in practical. The marks secured by the candidate
(in the illustration), when assessed as per the interpretation of the University,
results in the candidate failing in the subject. The very same marks w;,en
assessed as per the interpretation of the students (and MCI), results in the
candidates passing in the subject. The calculations are given below : D
University interpretation (candidate fails in the subject):

l. Aggregate (l+ll+JII+IV) : 107 marks out of 200 marks
2 Theory plus oral (I + II) : 59 marks (out of 120) E
(47 and 12 out of 100 and 20 marks)
3. Practicals (Ill) : 17 (out of 40)

As the candidate secured Jess than 50% in Theory including Orals
(that is 59 out of l 20) and less than 50% in practicals (that is 17 out
of 40), he failed under the heads of Theory (plus Orals) and Practicals. F
As a consequence, though he secured more than 50% in the aggregate,
he failed in the subject.

Interpretation of MCI/students (candidate passes in the subject) :

l. Aggregate [I+ll+III+IV] · 107 marks out of 200 marks G
2. Theory plus Oral [I+ll+IV(a)]: 75 _marks out of 140
(47, 12 andl6 out of 100, 20 and 20)

3. Practicals [III+IV(b)] : 32 Marks out of 60
(17 and 15 out of 40 and 20)
H
SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2007) 7 S.C.R.
908
As the candidate secured more than the minimum of 50% under all the
A
Heads of Passing, that is, in the aggregate, in Theory (plus orals), and
Practicals, he passed in the subject.

17. MCI Regulation 12 is divided into four parts namely (i) attendance,
(ii) internal assessment, (iii) university examination, and (iv) distribution of
B marks to various disciplines. Clause ( 1) makes it clear that unless a student
has the minimum attendance (75%) he cannot appear in the University
examination (external evaluation). Similarly, clause (2) makes it clear that unless
a student secures 35% of the total marks fixed for internal assessment in a
particular subject, he will not be eligible to appear in the University examination
of that subject. Thus, the· requirement relating to attendance and requirement
C relating to internal assessment act as eligibility requirements to participate in
the university examination.

18. The scheme of MCI Regulation 12 also makes it clear that there will
be internal assessment as well as the external assessment (university
D examination) in regard to theory as well as practicals. Clause (2) of MCI
Regulation 12 makes it clear that in addition to providing the eligibility to
appear in the university examination, the internal assessment also provides
a weightage to an extent of 20% of the total marks in each subject. Clause
(4) of MCI Regulation 12 makes it clear for passing in each subject, a candidate.
must obtain 50% of marks in the aggregate. There is no controversy in regard
E to what is meant by aggregate. It is the aggregate external examination marks
and internal assessment marks. Where the maximum of 100 marks are for
theory papers, 20 marks are for oral, 40 marks are for practicals, in all 160 for
externals and 40 marks are for internal assessment, the aggregate is 200. A
candidate should secure in all a minimum of 100 marks out of 200. The
requirement relating to passing in aggregate complies with sub-clause (iv) of
F clause (2) of Regulation 12, as internal assessment marks (secured out of 40 >.-<
Marks, which is 20% of total marks) are also counted.

19. The controversy is in regard t0 the method of calculating the
passing marks for the other two heads of passing, namely 'theory including
G orals' and 'Practicals". The scheme of MCI Regulations require the student
to pass the university examination (externals) with 50% in Theory (including
oral) and 50% in Practicals, and also secure 50% of marks in the aggregate
of the total marks for external examination and total marks for internal
:•'
assessment.

H 20. What is to be noticed is that Clause (4) of Regulation 12 requires
MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES r. PARY ANI MUKESH JAWAHARLAL IRA VEENDRAN. J I 909

that a minimum of 50% in theory including orals, should be obtained by a A
student. It does not say 50% in theory including orals and internal assessment
(theory). It should be remembered that the marks are distributed as I 00 for
theory (external), 20 for oral (external), 40 for practical (external) plus 20 for
theory (internal) and 20 for Practicals (internal). If the intention was to club
the marks for internal assessment with the marks secured in external
examination, the marks would have been distributed in the following B
manner:-

_,.. (a) Theory:
(i) Two papers of 50 marks each 100 marks
(ii) Internal Assessment 20 marks
(b) Oral (Viva) 20 marks c
(c) Practical/Clincial
(i). External Assessment 40 marks
(ii). Internal Assessment 20 marks
--------~-------- D
TOTAL 200 marks

But the distribution of marks under Regulation 12(4) is as under :
E
a) External:
(i). Theory - 2 papers 100 marks
(ii). Oral (viva) 20 marks
b) Practicals 40 marks
~ . c) Internal
F

(i). Theory 20
(ii). Practical 20 40 marks

---------------- G
TOTAL 200 marks
=============

The scheme of distribution of marks makes it clear that University examination
(external assessment) is kept separate and distinct from the internal assessment.
Regulation 12(4) when read in its normal and natural sense, does not H
910 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 7 S.C.R.

A contemplate for clubbing of internal assessment with external examination.
When the provisions of Regulation 12 are clear and unambiguous, it is
impermissible to add words into it. When the Regulation requires that a
candidate must obtain a minimum of 50% of marks in "theory including orals",
it is not possible to read it as 50% marks in "theory including orals and
internal (theory)". Similarly, when the Regulation provides that a candidate
B must obtain a minimum of 50% of marks "in practicals", it is not possible to
read them as "in practicals and internal (practicals)". Therefore, when the
Regulation provides that a minimum of50% of marks in theory including orals, .•
it excludes internal assessment and it means that the candidate should secure
a minimum of 50% marks out of 120 marks (that is I 00 marks for theory and
C 20 marks for orals). Similarly, when the regulation provides that a candidate
must obtain a minimum of 50% of marks in practicals, it means he should
secure 20 out of 40 marks in practicals.

21. We may examine the issue from another angle. MCI Regulation
12(2)(iv) provides that a weightage for the internal assessment shall be 20%
D of the total marks in each subject. Thus, the weightage for internal assessment
would arise when the total marks (or aggregate) in each subject are considered
~nd not otherwise. That is, where the total marks are 200, internal assessment
marks would be 40 marks. Therefore, Regulation I2(4) rightly provides that
the total of 200 marks consist of 160 marks for externals (university
examination) and 40 marks for internals (college assessment) maintaining the
E ratio of 80:20, thereby implementing the requirement of MCI Regulation
12(2)(iv). But if internal assessment marks are also to be clubbed with theory
(external) marks or Practical (external) marks, it leads to absurd and incongruous
results. For example, for practicals, if internal assessment marks are clubbed
with examination marks, then the minimum of 50% would be 30 out of 60 (that
F is 40 plus 20). This results in the weightage for internal assessment becoming
33.33% (20 out of 60) thereby violating the Regulation 12(2)(iv). Similarly, if
a minimum of 50% of marks in theory including orals, is read as 50% of marks
in theory including orals and internal (theory), then a candidate should secure
70 out of 140 marks. This means the weightage for internal assessment
becoming 14.28% (20 out of 140). This demonstrates that internal assessment
G marks were never intended to be clubbed with marks of university exa:nination
(externals) to ascertain whether a student has passed in Theory including
Orals, and Practicals.
i.
..
22. We will now refer to the stand of the MCI. We are surprised to find
H that MCI has put forward different interpretations at different points of time.
----J-

MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES•·. PARYANI MU~ESH JAWAHARLAL (RAVEENDRAN. l( 91 l

We have already referred to one interpretation by MCI put forth in its letter A
dated 17.9.2002 (extracted in para 5 above). But in the reply affidavit filed by
MCI before the Bombay High Court in this case, the stand of MCI was
different (vide Para 9):

"It is submitted that even though internal assessment are separately
marked on a 50-50 basis for theory and practical respectively, it is B
clubbed with the performance in the Practical/clinical examination,
whereas the viva-voce performance is clubbed with the performance
in the Theory examination ... It is submitted that the internal assessment
marks are to be clubbed with the Practical/clinical performance. They
do not form a separate or independent passing head." C
The above stand is reiterated by MCI in the reply affidavit filed before this
Court (in para 14 of its reply in the connected W.P. 122/2007). The difference
between the two contentions of MCI is as follows :
Passing Head Effect of interpretation in Effect of interpretation
the letter dated 17.9.2002 in the reply affidavit D
filed in this case
i) Aggregate 50% of200 50% of200
(loo+2o+4o+40) (I 00+2o+4o+40)
ii) Theory 50% of 140 (100+20+20) 50% of 120 (100+20)
including Orals E
iii) Practicals 50% of60 (40+20) 50% of 80 (40+40)

However during arguments, the learned counsel for MCI gave a go by to
the stand taken in the reply affidavit of MCI in this case and reverted back
to the stand taken in the letter dated 17.9.2002. While in the interpretation F
given in the letter dated 17.9.2002, the internal assessment marks for theory
and practicals have to be added to the respective theory and practical marks
of externals, as per the interpretation given in the reply affidavit, the entire
internal assessment marks are to be added to the practical marks of externals.
The share or proportion of internal assessment in practicals becomes 33 .33%
as per the stand in the letter dated 17.9.2002 and 50% as per the stand in G
the reply affidavit, as against 20% provided in Regulation 12(2)(iv). Neither
interpretation, as pointed out above, is in consonance with the specific and
clear wording of Regulation 12(4). The very fact that MCI has been
interpreting. Regulation 12(4) differently at different points of time, is a
ground to reject such interpretations which are contrary to the plain meaning H
912 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2007] 7 S.C.R.

A ofRegulation 12(4).

Conclusion :

23. We, therefore, accept the interpretation put forth by the University
in respect of MCI Regulation 12 as correct and hold that clauses 56(2) and
B 57 of amended University Ordinance l/2002 are in consonance with clauses
(2) and (4) of MCI Regulation 12. We also hold that internal assessment marks
cannot be clubbed with University examination (external) marks to ascertain
whether a candidate has passed in Theory with orals, and Practicals. We )'
'""'
further hold that the clarification given by MCI in its letter dated 17.9.2002
and the clarification in its reply affidavit are contrary to MCI Regulation 12(4).
c Consequently, a student has to secure marks as follows to pass in a subject:

(i) 35% in internal assessment (for eligibility to appear for university
examination)
(ii) 50% of the total marks for Theory with Orals (only externals)
D (iii) 50% of the marks for Practicals/Clinicals (only externals)
(iv) 50% of the aggregate (total of externals and internals)

24. By an interim order dated 25.8.2006, this Court had directed that the
evaluation of III MBBS Part II examination held in December, 2005 shall be
E on the basis of the norms fixed in the impugned judgment, and that in regard
to other examinations, namely, I MBBS, II MBBS and III MBBS (Part I), the
norms earlier followed by the University shall be followed. This Court further
directed that as regards the other examinations which may take place before
the final decision in this appeal, the University shall follow the existing
practice. This led to students of III MBBS Part II who appeared in the
F November-December, 2006 examination approaching this Court in WP No. >A
122/2007 and WP No.125/2007 claiming reliefs similar to those claimed by the
student-respondents in this appeal. We are of the view that the benefit of the
interim order should be extended to all those students who appeared for the
III MBBS, Part II examination held in November-December 2006 also, as the
G clarification dated I 7.9.2002 issued by the MCI has held the field till now.
Therefore in regard to the III MBBS (Part II) Examinations, this decision will
be prospective in operation and effect.
,L.
25. We allow this appeal accordingly and set aside the judgment and
order dated 23.6.2006 of the Bombay High Court. In view of what is stated
H in the earlier para, all applications for intervention/impleading are rejected, as
+
MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES 1·. PAR'i A1'1 MUhESH JAWAHARLAL tRAVEENDRAf'ri. JI 913

redundant. Parties to bear their respective costs. A
vs. Appeal allowed.

R. V. RA VEENDRAN, J. These petitions relate to validity of clauses 56
and 57 of amended Ordinance No. I of 2002 of sixth respondent university
and for various consequential reliefs. B
The matter is covered by decision rendered by us in Maharashtra
University of Health Sciences v. Paryani Mukesh Jawaharlal (CA No. 3883 of
2006) decided today.

Following the said decision and m terms of it, these petitions are C
disposed of.

vs. Writ Petitions disposed of.