The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to clarify its position by next Friday regarding a petition challenging the election notice for the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) governing body.
The petition, filed by doctors, raises concerns about low voter turnout, as the elections are scheduled for April 3, 2025 (Thursday), from 8 AM to 5 PM, with polling limited to a single location in each district. Petitioners argue that this schedule restricts accessibility, making it difficult for many medical practitioners to participate.
A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale issued a notice to the returning officer and MMC after hearing arguments from senior counsel Mihir Desai and Rui Rodrigues. The court has asked the state’s lawyer to respond before the next hearing.
Petitioners Demand Fair Voting Conditions
The petition, filed by Dr. Sudhir Naik and seven others from Mumbai and Thane, challenges the January 17, 2025, election notice, claiming that holding elections only at district headquarters on a weekday will deny many doctors a fair chance to vote.
Petitioners argue that this decision may unfairly impact election outcomes for a body responsible for regulating medical professionals. They also cited past voter turnout issues, highlighting that only 30% of registered medical practitioners voted in the 2016-17 MMC elections.
One petitioner, Dr. Suhas Kate, submitted a formal representation to the returning officer, pointing out that the schedule could disrupt both public and private healthcare services, as many doctors work in private hospitals, nursing homes, and government healthcare facilities. The issue is particularly severe in Mumbai, where weekday traffic congestion could further limit participation.
Key Demands in the Petition
The petitioners are seeking:
- Quashing of the election notice due to accessibility concerns.
- Polling stations at multiple locations within each district.
- Election rescheduling to a Sunday or a non-working day to maximize participation.
- An interim stay on the April 3 voting process until the matter is resolved.
The Bombay High Court is set to review the case next Friday, with a decision likely to impact the voting process and fairness of medical council elections in Maharashtra.
