NewKerala.com

Delhi HC Directs Nursing Council to Set Up Grievance Redressal Mechanism

The Delhi High Court has directed the Indian Professional Nurses Association to submit a detailed representation to the Indian Nursing Council regarding the lack of a proper grievance mechanism. The petition had raised concerns that despite circulars banning the practice, some institutions still enforce illegal service bonds on nursing students. The court has asked the Council's competent authority to consider the representation and make a decision within two months. In its order, the court specifically emphasized that the Council should examine the need to establish an effective grievance redressal system.

Key Points: Delhi HC Orders Nursing Council to Address Grievance Mechanism

  • Court directs nurses' association to submit representation
  • Council must decide on grievance mechanism
  • Petition highlighted issue of illegal service bonds
  • Council given two months to consider and decide
2 min read

Delhi HC directs nurses' body to submit representation, asks INC to decide on grievance mechanism

Delhi High Court directs nurses' body to submit representation to Indian Nursing Council for establishing a formal grievance redressal system.

"examine the need for establishing a grievance redressal mechanism - Delhi High Court"

New Delhi, March 31

The Delhi High Court has directed the Indian Professional Nurses Association to submit a representation to the Secretary of the Indian Nursing Council, and asked the Council to consider and decide the same within a stipulated time, while examining the need for establishing a grievance redressal mechanism.

The direction came in a public interest litigation filed by IPNA, which raised grievances that the Indian Nursing Council had not put in place a proper mechanism to address complaints of nursing professionals.

The petition also alleged that despite circulars issued in August and September 2011 prohibiting service bonds for students, some institutions continue to follow such practices.

The matter was heard by a Bench comprising the Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. The petitioner was represented by Advocate Joe Sebastian, while Advocate V.S.R. Krishna appeared for respondent No.2.

During the hearing, counsel for the respondent submitted that the Indian Nursing Council has been taking steps to ensure compliance with its circulars and that institutions are expected to adhere to them.

After considering the submissions, the Court observed that the issues raised could be addressed through an appropriate representation. It directed the petitioner association to file a detailed representation within two weeks, placing all relevant materials on record.

The Court further directed that the competent authority of the Indian Nursing Council shall consider the representation and take an appropriate decision within two months thereafter. It added that, while doing so, the Council should examine the need for establishing a grievance redressal mechanism to deal with complaints effectively and communicate decisions to complainants. With these directions, the High Court disposed of the petition.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The service bond issue is a major scam! My sister had to pay a huge penalty to leave a terrible hospital job because of such a bond from her nursing college. 2011 circular and still no action? Shameful. The Council needs to be held accountable.
A
Aman W
Good that the court has given a clear timeline - two weeks for representation and two months for decision. Often these things get stuck in bureaucratic limbo. Let's see if the INC actually implements a functional grievance cell. 🤞
S
Sarah B
While the direction is positive, I'm cautiously optimistic. The Council's counsel said they are "taking steps," but the PIL was necessary because those steps weren't effective. The proof will be in the implementation, not just another circular.
K
Karthik V
Nurses work in such tough conditions, especially after the pandemic. The least they deserve is a proper channel to voice their professional issues. This is about basic dignity of labour. Jai Hind to our healthcare warriors! 🙏
N
Nikhil C
The court has done its job by directing. Now the ball is in the INC's court. If they are serious about "ensuring compliance," they should proactively name and shame the institutions still using illegal bonds and cancel their affiliations.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50