COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON HOW SC RESCUED A YOUNG DOCTOR PUNISHED FOR WEARING A DIGITAL WATCH
Supreme Court Says Nine Years Enough: Urges Mercy for Doctor Penalised Over Digital Watch in Exam
Court Directs University to Consider Apology with Utmost Sympathy
Judges Stress Reform and Career Protection Over Prolonged Punishment
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 26, 2026:
In a compassionate ruling, the Supreme Court of India has asked Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai, to sympathetically consider the unconditional apology of a young doctor who was penalised for wearing a digital watch during his MBBS examination in 2017. The Court observed that the doctor’s career had been stalled for nine years, which was “more than sufficient punishment” for the infraction.
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The case has drawn national attention, highlighting the balance between enforcing exam discipline and protecting the future of young professionals.
Background of the Case
- In 2017, the doctor was found wearing a digital wristwatch during his MBBS exam.
- The medical college penalised him by recording adverse remarks in his marksheet, effectively stalling his career progression.
- His father approached the Supreme Court, pleading for mercy and standing in court with folded hands to save his son’s career.
- The matter was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
Court’s Observations
The Supreme Court made several key points:
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- Nine years of punishment is enough: The prolonged impact on the doctor’s career was disproportionate to the infraction.
- Unconditional apology: The Court allowed the doctor to tender an apology to the college.
- Sympathetic consideration: The university was directed to consider the representation with “utmost sympathy” and an endeavour to save the young professional’s career.
- Reformative approach: The Court stressed that disciplinary measures should not permanently destroy a student’s future.
Implications of the Ruling
- Educational discipline vs. career protection: The case highlights the need to balance strict exam rules with compassion.
- Judicial intervention: The ruling shows how courts can step in to prevent disproportionate punishment.
- Precedent for future cases: Universities may be encouraged to adopt more humane approaches in disciplinary matters.
Wider Context
- Exam discipline: Wearing digital devices in exams is prohibited to prevent cheating.
- Proportionality principle: The Court applied the constitutional principle of proportionality, ensuring punishment fits the misconduct.
- Global practices: In many countries, minor infractions in exams are penalised with warnings or temporary suspension, not career-ending measures.
Public and Expert Reactions
- Legal experts praised the ruling as a humane intervention that protects young professionals.
- Parents and students expressed relief, noting that strict rules should not ruin lives.
- Educationists argued that institutions must adopt fair disciplinary policies that distinguish between minor infractions and serious misconduct.
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Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling in the digital watch case is a landmark in balancing discipline with compassion. By recognizing that nine years of stalled progress was punishment enough, the Court has safeguarded the career of a young doctor while reinforcing the principle that disciplinary measures must be proportionate.
This judgment serves as a reminder to educational institutions across India: rules must be enforced, but not at the cost of destroying futures.
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