HC sets aside expulsion of 2 more MBBS students in alleged exam malpractice case

Chandigarh: In a latest update to the MBBS students' expulsion case at Pt BD Sharma University of Health Sciences over alleged exam malpractice, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has passed a similar order on pleas filed by two more students.

Single Bench Justice Kuldeep Tiwari, in line with its earlier ruling in a similar writ petition, has again set aside the expulsion of the students, granting them relief. In the present petitions, the Court has maintained the same judgment without any changes.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the High Court set aside the expulsion of an MBBS student after observing that the university violated the principles of natural justice by not giving the student a proper opportunity to be heard.

The petitioner argued that the expulsion order was passed without giving him a fair opportunity to defend himself. He claimed that he was neither provided with a copy of the Board of Discipline’s recommendations nor granted a personal hearing before the Vice Chancellor issued the order.

Calling the action a violation of the principles of natural justice, he approached the court seeking to set aside the expulsion order, the cancellation of his exam results, and the direction asking him to vacate the college hostel. On this, the court granted relief to the student and set aside his expulsion.

In the new order dated March 20, 2026, the Court has now clubbed two writ petitions filed by two students and decided them together through a common judgment.

The petitions were filed challenging the order dated February 2, 2026, passed by the Vice Chancellor. Acting on the recommendations of the Board of Discipline, the university expelled the students with immediate effect and cancelled their MBBS examination results in the subjects allegedly affected by malpractice. A subsequent order dated February 3, 2026 also directed them to leave the college campus and vacate the hostel.

The petitioners argued that the order was passed without giving him a fair opportunity to defend himself. According to his counsel, the Vice Chancellor did not grant him a personal hearing and also did not provide him with a copy of the recommendations made by the Board of Discipline. Because of this, the student was unable to submit a proper response before the punishment was imposed.

The petitioner further argued that there was no reliable or legally sustainable evidence proving his involvement in the alleged misconduct. His counsel also contended that expulsion is the most severe punishment and was disproportionate to the allegations.

On this, the bench held that although the disciplinary proceedings conducted by Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences followed the prescribed rules, the final expulsion orders passed by the Vice Chancellor were rendered invalid due to violation of principles of natural justice, as the students were neither provided copies of the Board of Discipline’s recommendations and the handwriting expert’s report nor given an opportunity of personal hearing before the decision.

Accordingly, the Court set aside the expulsion orders and directed the university to supply all relevant documents, allow the students to file objections, grant them a hearing, and then pass a fresh order in accordance with law.

To view the court order, click on the link below:

Also read- HC sets aside MBBS student's expulsion in exam malpractice case