HC panel to review if student who lost eye sight in accident can resume medical studies

JAIPUR: Rajasthan high court has backed a visually impaired MBBS student's bid to resume her course, ruling that vision "need not only come from the eyes."

A single-judge bench Tuesday directed medical authorities to form an expert panel to assess the abilities of Ankita Singodia (23), who lost 100% vision in a 2017 car crash that caused severe head injuries. The panel is to suggest methods to help her complete the remaining course.

"With determined vision, relentless hard work, and the courage to take the plunge, individuals with visual impairment can conquer challenges and thrive in their chosen fields," Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand observed.

Singodia, of Jaipur's Murlipura, enrolled in MBBS in August 2014 and completed two years before the accident. Her counsel said a medical board in 2020 recommended she continue, but another later opposed, citing doubts over her ability to discharge a doctor's duties. She petitioned against a January 29, 2021 order disqualifying her.

Justice Dhand said if the expert panel's report supports her, authorities must let her resume studies and provide necessary assistance, including a scribe.