Medical bill correct in every aspect, insists A K Balan

Thiruvananthapuram: Law minister A.K. Balan on Friday said the medical admissions regularization bill brought by the state government was politically, technically and morally correct. He said the government had not flawed in any way in framing the legislation and there was no mistake on its part. All steps taken by the government were 100 per cent correct. “We made only minor changes in the ordinance which was earlier promulgated by the Governor and framed the Bill. We are hopeful that Governor will give assent to the bil,” he added.

Meanwhile, sources said that even if the Governor were to give his assent to the bill, the petitioner Medical Council of India is likely to challenge the legislation  in the apex court. The matter is slated to come up before the court after three weeks and that hearing would be crucial. Even if the bill gets Governor’s assent it would come in for judicial scrutiny. The apex court is apex empowered to declare the new law null and void.

 While the LDF constituents have rallied behind the government to defend the bill which they claim is to secure the future of students, sharp differences have surfaced in the opposition camp. Veteran Congress leader V.M.  Sudheeran and young MLA V.T. Balram have openly criticised the opposition decision to back the bill triggering a major controversy in the UDF camp. The BJP is also facing opposition from within as Rajya Sabha MP V. Muraleedharn has expressed his reservations on the legislation. The lone BJP MLA O Rajagopal has not taken a firm stand on the issue. He was conspicuous by his absence when Assembly passed the bill.