‘DY Patil’ Dean in Legal Trouble
• MMC Norms Flouted, RTI Reveals
• Double Standards Rock Medical College
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, faces a major controversy over Dean Dr. Rekha Arcot’s alleged violation of MMC norms. Despite lacking Maharashtra registration, she continues as Dean, raising legal, ethical, and safety concerns. Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) reveals deep institutional hypocrisy and mounting calls for regulatory intervention.
Dean Dr. Rekha Arcot Faces Legal Heat
Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pune, a NAAC ‘A++’ grade deemed university, has landed in the spotlight over serious regulatory lapses and questionable administrative practices. At the heart of this growing scandal is Dean Dr. Rekha Arcot, whose continued appointment despite alleged non-compliance with Maharashtra’s medical registration laws has triggered outrage among students, faculty, and legal experts.
As per findings of the Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT), the college is facing allegations ranging from statutory violations to selective enforcement of rules, raising concerns about patient safety and institutional credibility.
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Dean’s Eligibility Questioned: Violation of MMC Registration Norms
Dr. Rekha Arcot, Dean and Professor of General Surgery, is permanently registered with the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (Reg. No. 50179) and listed in the Indian Medical Register. Citing Section 27 of the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act, 1956, the college claims she is legally permitted to practice anywhere in India.
However, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) mandates a separate state-level registration for all medical practitioners operating within Maharashtra. In a clear contradiction, the same institution has issued at least two circulars (Ref. No. DYPMC/PG/2888/2025 and DYPMC/PG/§2/02/2022) warning postgraduate residents of biometric attendance suspension if they fail to register with MMC.
This disparity in enforcement has enraged students and faculty, who question why the Dean appears exempt from standards strictly applied to others.
RTI Revelation: Dr. Arcot Not Registered with Maharashtra Medical Council
A Right to Information (RTI) application filed by a concerned medical professional revealed that Dr. Rekha Arcot’s name does not appear in the MMC registry. If this finding is accurate, it constitutes a direct violation of the Maharashtra Medical Council Act, 1965, which makes MMC registration mandatory for all practicing doctors in the state.
Despite this, Dr. Arcot continues to serve as Dean, drawing salary and exercising authority over academic and clinical operations. The college has defended its position by reiterating that the IMC Act—a central legislation—supersedes state rules.
However, legal experts consulted by the Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) assert that medical regulation is a concurrent subject under India’s federal structure. Both central and state compliances are binding, especially since the National Medical Commission (NMC) and state councils operate in parallel. The failure to recognize this dual requirement could have far-reaching legal consequences.
Institutional Hypocrisy and Selective Enforcement Alleged
While junior doctors and residents face disciplinary threats for not securing MMC registration, the Dean’s unregistered status is overlooked. This selective enforcement has led to accusations of administrative double standards and erosion of trust in the institution’s leadership.
The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) found that several residents and junior faculty have been served warnings and risk suspension. Yet no such internal action appears to have been taken against Dr. Arcot, who, as the college’s top administrator, sets the very policies she’s allegedly violating.
Unregistered Dean Raises Alarms Over Patient Safety and Academic Integrity
The presence of a Dean who lacks local registration also raises serious questions about patient safety and the legality of clinical oversight in teaching hospitals. Critics argue that this undermines not only academic standards but also the clinical governance expected from a top-tier institution.
The college’s continued reliance on Dr. Arcot’s Tamil Nadu registration, without publically disclosing or verifying supporting documents, has deepened mistrust. “This is not just a technical oversight—it impacts every patient, every student, and the reputation of the profession itself,” said a former NMC official on condition of anonymity.
Long-Standing Pattern of Irregularities at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College
This latest controversy is not an isolated incident. The institution has previously faced allegations of charging excessive capitation fees, risking accreditation, and seat-blocking scams—many of which were flagged by independent watchdogs but reportedly dismissed by internal inquiries.
The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) reviewed multiple past complaints, which point to a systemic pattern of bypassing rules under the guise of autonomy and deemed status. Legal experts believe this cumulative record strengthens the case for an independent regulatory audit.
Growing Public Outcry and Calls for Immediate Regulatory Action
Medical student groups, health rights activists, and watchdog NGOs have demanded immediate action from the National Medical Commission (NMC) and Government of Maharashtra. Protesters argue that the same rules that apply to students must apply to top administrators.
“If students can be suspended for not having MMC registration, how can the Dean continue unchecked?” asked a protesting resident doctor during a recent demonstration outside the campus.
National medical associations have also begun lobbying the NMC to issue a show-cause notice to the college and conduct a formal inquiry into Dr. Arcot’s eligibility and institutional accountability.
Also Read: Child Deaths: Maharashtra Records 12,438 Tragic Losses, Healthcare Fails.
A ‘Model’ Medical College at Risk of Losing Public Trust
As the situation unfolds, the credibility of one of India’s most prominent medical colleges hangs in the balance. While the administration insists that no rules have been broken, the growing body of evidence suggests otherwise.
Whether the Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College will come clean and comply with dual medical registration laws—or continue to deflect criticism—remains uncertain. The larger question is whether India’s regulatory bodies will step up to ensure uniformity, transparency, and accountability in medical education.
Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) will continue tracking developments in this case, including responses from NMC, MMC, and other authorities.
