Supreme Court Orders Stipend Parity for Foreign Medical Graduates at AMU
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India has mandated equal stipend payments for foreign medical graduates (FMGs) who completed their internships at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), addressing long-standing concerns over discriminatory treatment.
Background of the Case
The petitioners were Indian citizens who pursued their medical education abroad in countries such as Russia, China, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines. After clearing mandatory screening tests, they undertook their compulsory internships at JN Medical College, AMU, during the period from June 2023 to June 2024.
Key Issue: These FMGs were not receiving any stipend, while Indian Medical Graduates (IMGs) at the same institution were paid Rs 26,300 per month. This disparity prompted the FMGs to seek judicial intervention for parity in stipend payments.
Court's Rationale and Decision
A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice Prasanna B Varale heard the petition on February 4, 2026. The court emphasized that FMGs cannot be discriminated against, especially when junior interns had already received full stipend benefits through a previous Supreme Court order dated July 15, 2025.
The bench stated, "As such, they cannot be discriminated against and paid less stipend." It noted that the petitioners, having completed their internships before the beneficiaries of the 2025 order, were entitled to the same treatment.
Shielding Colleges from UGC Action
One significant aspect of the ruling was the court's protection of medical colleges from adverse actions by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Authorities had expressed apprehension that disbursing stipends without prior UGC approval could lead to penalties.
The Supreme Court rejected this concern, reiterating that stipend payments made under judicial directions would not expose colleges to regulatory consequences. This clarification aimed to allay fears and ensure compliance without hesitation.
Legal Precedents and Final Directions
The bench referenced an earlier judgment where the court had unequivocally recognized FMGs' right to stipends during internships. In that case, the institution had agreed to release stipend amounts within two weeks, and the court had directed that no adverse action be taken by the UGC.
Applying this precedent, the court ordered AMU and JN Medical College to pay the pending stipend differences expeditiously, within three weeks from the date of the ruling. This time-bound directive ensures swift relief for the affected FMGs.
Implications of the Ruling
This ruling is expected to benefit hundreds of foreign-trained Indian doctors who have faced unequal treatment during their mandatory internships. It sets a precedent for stipend parity, reinforcing the principle that procedural objections cannot deny legitimate entitlements.
Key Takeaways:
- FMGs are entitled to stipends at par with IMGs during internships.
- Colleges are protected from UGC action when complying with court orders.
- The decision underscores equality and non-discrimination in medical education.
The Supreme Court's decision marks a significant step toward fairness in the medical training ecosystem, ensuring that all graduates, regardless of where they studied, receive equal financial support during their internships.
