The Bombay High Court today directed the state authorities to grant admission to a disabled student, who has phocomelia (shortened limbs), in the MBBS course.
Rajdeep Deshmukh, who has two fingers in each hand and big toes of his feet short, had contended that the deformity would not come in his way while studying medicine.
According to Deshmukh, his mother, when pregnant, was given thalidomide to prevent morning sickness. Consequently, he was born with phocomelia, his petition said.
The division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice M S Sanklecha asked the Directorate of Medical Education and Research to admit the petitioner in MBBS course, after receiving a report from doctors of Grant Medical College and Sir J J Group of Hospitals.
The report certified that Deshmukh was capable of performing basic practical examination with certain limitations. The judges noted that report stated that Deshmukh is capable of holding a syringe, and pursuing the MBBS course otherwise.
"On account of shortened right index and middle finger and deformity of right thumb, petitioner's ability is partially affected, but does not prevent handling of slides, holding scissors and also there is sensation in the shortened fingers," noted the Court.
