Maharashtra Medical Council Election Process Halted Following Supreme Court Order | Global TV
Mumbai, April 3, 2025
By Dr. Deepak Baid | Mumbai | +91 9821019001
The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) election, scheduled to take place today, has been suspended following a directive from the Supreme Court of India. The decision was communicated through government counsel Mr. Aditya Pandey (AOR) via telephone, informing state officials about the court’s ruling.
The MMC election process was initially set to proceed as per the planned schedule, following a Supreme Court order on April 2, 2025, which mandated the appointment of an Under Secretary-level officer as the Returning Officer. The Maharashtra government, in compliance with the directive, had designated the new Returning Officer and issued instructions to continue the election process.
However, in a fresh hearing today (April 3, 2025), the Supreme Court ordered the immediate suspension of the voting process, leading the Maharashtra government to issue a directive for its halt. The following measures have been mandated:
- Immediate cessation of the voting process across all polling stations.
- Sealing of ballot papers and ballot boxes following the prescribed protocol.
- Secure storage of election materials in the District Treasury.
- Submission of a detailed report on the recorded voting data to the state government.
- Official communication to all candidates regarding the Supreme Court’s decision.
The directive was issued by Dr. Tushar Pawar, Deputy Secretary, Maharashtra Government, instructing all concerned officials to implement the necessary procedures without delay.
This sudden turn of events adds another layer of complexity to the MMC elections, which have already faced multiple delays due to legal and administrative challenges. Further developments will depend on the Supreme Court’s next course of action.
EARLIER UPDATE
Maharashtra Medical Council Elections to Proceed as Scheduled | Mumbai, April 3, 2025 | Global TV
The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) elections will continue as scheduled, following the appointment of Mr. Sunil Kumar Dhonde, Under Secretary, as the Returning Officer. The voting process will take place today (April 3, 2025) from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, ensuring the democratic selection of representatives for the medical body.
The decision comes after a legal challenge regarding the eligibility of the previously appointed Returning Officer, which led to judicial intervention. The Supreme Court of India recently directed the Maharashtra government to appoint a qualified official in accordance with the statutory requirements. Complying with this directive, the state has now designated Mr. Dhonde, meeting the necessary criteria of holding a position not below the rank of Under Secretary.
With the election process now on track, medical professionals across Maharashtra will participate in the voting to elect the new council members. The MMC plays a crucial role in regulating medical practice, maintaining professional ethics, and overseeing licensing for doctors in the state.
The election process, which had been delayed for years, is now expected to bring much-needed representation and governance to the medical fraternity. Officials have assured that all necessary arrangements have been made to conduct the voting in a smooth and transparent manner.
Maharashtra Medical Council
Maharashtra Medical Council is the oldest body and successor body of the old Bombay Medical Council, which was established in September,1912 and was in existence till bifurcation of old Bombay State. The first meeting of the Bombay Medical Council was held on 24th September, 1912 under the President ship of Mr. H. W. Stevenson. In his speech Mr. H. W. Stevenson said that, there is a vast difference between liberty and license. He further said that, registration of medical man stamps him with the approval of the Government of the Country and it is accepted as a guarantee of his professional integrity.
In the year 1929 the Bombay Municipal Corporation, in its meeting held on 27th October, 1929, unanimously passed a resolution that, private dispensaries, who dispense medicine after examination of patient and where there is no sale of medical drugs should be exempted of payment for Shop Act. In 1917 Government of Bombay amended the Bombay Medical Council Act, 1912 and made the provision of reciprocal registration system between the two Councils. On recommendation of the Bombay Medical Council, the Code of Medical Ethics was suggested for the guidance of the Medical Practitioners. There are three principles, which may be regarded as the corner stone of Medical Ethics that, medical man should respect his colleagues, his patients and his Country. In the year 1913, the total registered members of the Bombay Medical Council were 1137
