Madhya Pradesh High Court Orders Return of Medical Student's Documents
Synopsis
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the Director of Medical Education to return the original documents of Dr. Ajay Mandloi, a young tribal doctor who left his PG course due to harassment. This ruling underscores the ongoing debate over the controversial seat leaving bond policy.
Key Takeaways
Madhya Pradesh High Court orders return of documents.
Ajay Mandloi faced harassment during his PG course.
The seat leaving bond policy remains contentious.
Next hearing set for March 9 , 2026.
Case highlights mental health issues in medical education.
Indore, Feb 27 (NationPress) The Madhya Pradesh High Court has instructed the Director of Medical Education (DME) to return the original documents of a young tribal doctor who completed his MBBS but left his PG course due to harassment and mental distress.
The court has mandated that the DME return these documents by March 2, 2026, warning that failure to comply could lead to contempt proceedings. The next hearing is scheduled for March 9.
This decision follows an earlier order on February 19, 2026, where the court directed the management of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College (MGM College) and the DME to return all original documents to the petitioner. However, the authorities did not adhere to this directive.
The case involves Dr. Ajay Mandloi from Barwani district, who earned his MBBS degree from MGM College in 2019. He was subsequently assigned a PG seat in MS Gynaecology according to his merit by the DME.
Dr. Mandloi left the PG program without completion, citing severe ragging that led to mental health issues and a suicide attempt, as detailed in the petition he filed with senior advocate Aditya Sanghi.
Belonging to a tribal community, Dr. Mandloi is the son of a primary school teacher and expressed his inability to pay the Rs 30 lakh “seat leaving bond”, a standard requirement for medical students who withdraw from PG courses, aimed at preventing seat blocking.
“This ruling is a significant relief for Dr. Mandloi, as without his original documents, he cannot pursue any employment opportunities despite completing his MBBS in 2019. The issue of the seat leaving bond was raised in parliament, urging all states to reassess this policy; however, some states, including Madhya Pradesh, continue to enforce it,” stated advocate Aditya Sanghi to IANS.
Furthermore, the concept of the seat leaving bond has been contentious among medical students and practitioners in Madhya Pradesh.
In 2024, a tragic incident occurred involving Dr. Akanksha Maheshwari, a 24-year-old pursuing her PG in Pediatrics at Gandhi Medical College in Bhopal, who died by suicide. She sent a final WhatsApp message to her father, saying, “Sorry papa, if I had money, I could have left the seat.”
Point of View
Particularly concerning mental health and student welfare. The court's intervention may pave the way for necessary reforms in policies that affect students' rights and mental well-being.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Madhya Pradesh High Court order?
The court ordered the Director of Medical Education to return the original documents of Dr. Ajay Mandloi by March 2, 2026.
Why did Dr. Ajay Mandloi leave his PG course?
He left due to severe harassment and mental distress.
What is the seat leaving bond?
It's a financial requirement for medical students who withdraw from their courses, intended to prevent seat blocking.
What are the consequences of not complying with the court's order?
Failure to comply could lead to contempt proceedings against the authorities.
Is the seat leaving bond policy controversial?
Yes, it has sparked significant debate among medical students and practitioners, especially in Madhya Pradesh.
