No response in 25 years, HC Junks plea against medical college

Cuttack: Getting no response from the authorities concerned, the Orissa High Court recently disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against the SCB Medical College, Cuttack around 25 years ago.

The court noted that the notices were issued on the PIL, which was registered in 1998, and alleged unhygienic conditions in the old boys' hostel.

It was registered based on a letter petition addressed to the Chief Justice of the High Court by the President and Hostel Secretary of the Students' Union of the institute. Along with the letter, the Union also enclosed video cassettes depicting the poor conditions in which the medical students had to live. 

While considering the matter, the HC bench had issued notices in connection with the PIL around 25 years ago, on May 15, 1998.

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As per the latest media report by the Times of India, the HC bench comprising the acting Chief Justice B R Sarangi and Justice M S Raman took note of the status of the PIL on Thursday. The bench observed, "This letter was addressed in the year 1998 and in the meantime, more than 25 years have passed. As such, no affidavit has been forthcoming. On perusal of the records, it appears that the problems faced by the students of the SCB Medical College, Cuttack relate to building condition, sanitation, latrine and bathrooms, watchman and gardener, electric wiring, absence of cycle stand and telephone, illegal cycle stand trekker parking and unhealthy atmosphere."

"Since the SCB Medical College is a premier medical college, the grievances of the students of the college should be taken care of by the authority. Therefore, this court disposes of this petition with a direction to the state authority to look after the aforesaid problems and take remedial measure for the larger benefit of the students of the SCB Medical College. However, if the students have some other grievances, they may approach the appropriate forum, so that the same can be taken care of by the authority," it further noted.

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