‘Dictatorship’ in DMCH: 56 MBBS students booked for protesting ban on classes, hostel stay; allege medicos

In a controversy, 56 MBBS students of Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) have been reportedly booked under what they call “false” First Information Reports (FIRs), for protesting against “arbitrary” academic decisions. The students were opposing alleged ban on exams, classes, and stay in hostels.

The issue began, according to students, when the college administration barred around 60-70 students from appearing for the sent-up examinations despite their 75% attendance recorded on the biometric app.

The stand-off between the DMC management and students escalated following a principal’s order wherein they announced that all classes for the 2021, 2023, and 2024 MBBS batches have been cancelled and the medical students will not be allowed to stay in the hostel.

MBBS classes cancelled, hostel stay banned

In a meeting with the department heads on September 26, the college authorities decided that the girl students enrolled in MBBS 2025 batch will be allowed to stay in the hostel as well as attend classes. MBBS students of 2022 batch will be allowed to attend classes and stay in the hostel from October 7. MBBS students of the 2023 and 2024 batches can appear for the university's written, departmental, practical, and oral examinations while staying outside the DMC hostel.

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“All classes for the 2021, 2023, and 2024 batches are cancelled until further notice, and they will not be allowed to stay in the hostel. Therefore, all concerned students are directed to ensure compliance with the above decisions and will be responsible for any action taken against them in the future if they do not follow these rules,” the notification said.

This is the very decision that students were protesting after which the college administration lodged FIRs against them, the medical community alleged.

Students demand withdrawal of DMCH order

“This is not just an attack on students — it is an attack on the future of medical education and an attempt to silence genuine voices. Criminalizing young medical students for demanding their rights is unacceptable and sets a dangerous precedent,” the medicos remarked.

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The students have demanded immediate withdrawal of false FIRs against 56 DMCH students, fair treatment in academics by allowing them to take exams, accountability of the administration for “misusing” power against students.

“Doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system. Today’s students are tomorrow’s healers. If they are silenced, harassed, and criminalized, what future does healthcare in Bihar hold?,” the medicos asked while arguing.