SC Upholds Interns’ Stipend Right: A Landmark Victory for Medical Graduates
The Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment on August 4, 2025, directing the Armed Forces Medical Services (ACMS) to clear all outstanding internship stipend arrears owed to its medical interns. This ruling has far-reaching implications for medical education across the nation.
The court firmly established that stipends for medical interns are not a matter of discretion but a fundamental right. This decision addresses a long-standing issue of non-payment affecting numerous medical interns, including those from foreign universities.
The judgment underscores the urgent need for the National Medical Commission (NMC) to formulate a comprehensive, pan-India policy regarding internship stipends. This will ensure consistent and timely payment to all interns, irrespective of their institution or background.
This landmark ruling not only provides much-needed financial relief to affected interns but also sets a crucial precedent for fair compensation within the medical profession. The absence of a uniform policy has created systemic inequalities, and the SC’s intervention is a significant step towards addressing this critical gap in medical education governance. The NMC must now act swiftly to implement a robust and equitable stipend framework for all medical interns across India.
