Karnataka High Court Orders Kerala Nursing Council to Register Out of State Graduates
Bengaluru: In a landmark decision promoting professional freedom, the Karnataka High Court has ruled that state nursing councils cannot deny registration to nursing graduates based solely on where they completed their education. This verdict came after the Kerala Nurses and Midwives Council (KNMC) refused to register two women who had earned their BSc Nursing degrees from a Karnataka-based institution.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Suraj Govindaraj, emphasized that a graduate’s right to practice should not be restricted by state boundaries. The court declared that the requirement for a certificate of registration or recognition from the Indian Nursing Council (INC)—as demanded by the KNMC—was both unnecessary and without legal backing under the INC Act.
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The Case That Sparked the Verdict
The case was brought forward by Daniya Joy and Neethu Baby, two nursing graduates who completed their BSc Nursing degrees in Mangaluru, Karnataka, in 2023. Despite holding valid degrees from a recognized university, they faced registration denial from the KNMC, which insisted on an INC registration certificate.
The petitioners challenged this requirement in court, arguing that their degrees, granted by a recognized institution, should be valid for practice nationwide without additional barriers.
A Win for Nationwide Professional Recognition
In a strong defense of professional mobility, the Karnataka High Court underscored that once a degree is conferred by a recognized university, it holds legitimacy across all Indian states—and even internationally. The judge firmly rejected any notion that a nurse’s right to practice should be restricted by the state where their education was obtained.
“The degree, whether issued by a university in a specific taluk, district, or state, is recognized across India,” stated Justice Govindaraj, reinforcing the principle that Indian citizens have a fundamental right to practice their profession anywhere in the country.
No Need for Inter-State Reciprocity, Rules Court
The court further clarified that there is no requirement for reciprocity between nursing councils of different states. A degree obtained from any recognized institution within India must be accepted by all state councils, eliminating the need for additional approval processes.
The court dismissed the KNMC’s demand for an INC certificate as an unnecessary barrier, asserting that such requirements undermine the freedom of professionals to practice across state lines.
Implications of the Ruling for Nursing Graduates
Following this ruling, the Kerala Nurses and Midwives Council is expected to register the petitioners, recognizing the nationwide validity of their degrees. This decision sets a precedent that could benefit countless nursing graduates across India, ensuring they can practice freely without bureaucratic hurdles tied to state-specific regulations.
The court’s decision sends a clear message: nursing professionals, and indeed all qualified individuals, should not face unjust restrictions based on geography. By promoting inclusivity and professional mobility, this ruling opens doors for healthcare professionals to serve where they are needed most—anywhere in India.
