Delhi HC issues notice on PIL challenging embryologist's appointment on National ART and Surrogacy Board

Delhi: A member of the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board's expert panel has found himself in a legal battle after a PIL was filed challenging the doctor’s appointment as an embryologist.

Following the PIL, the Delhi High Court sought a response from the Centre and the said doctor on Wednesday. The petitioner submitted that there is no concrete evidence to prove his eligibility as an embryologist or to confirm if he has a degree in embryology from a recognized university.

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As per a recent media report by The Indian Express, the petitioner sought that a writ of 'quo warranto' (by what warrant or authority) be issued against the doctor's designation as an expert member of the panel. The plea also includes a request to instruct the doctor to furnish the copies of his appointment letter and degree in embryology. The petitioner's attorney claimed that there was no proof that the doctor had an embryology degree from a recognized university.

The counsel for the petitioner submitted that the accused doctor didn't meet the requirements set forth in the National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board (Appointment of Expert Members by Nominating) Rules, which include having "any valid post-graduate or doctoral degree" from a recognized university and 15 years of experience as an embryologist. The plea further stated that when the petitioner requested information about the said doctor's appointment from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare through an RTI, he was told that the doctor has a PhD in ‘Embryology, IVF Health and Business’ from California Public University. Moreover, he also worked for 17 years as the chief embryologist.

“Subsequent investigations by the petitioner revealed that California Public University does not offer any academic credits to its students and mostly has diploma courses…Moreover, it is evident from the university’s website that it does not confer degrees in embryology or clinical embryology,” the plea states.

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