BDS Not Equivalent to ‘Degree in Medicine’ for Food Safety Officer Post: Rajasthan High Court

The Rajasthan High Court dismissed a petition challenging rejection of a BDS graduate’s candidature for the post of Food Safety Officer.

The recruitment notification issued by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission prescribed a “Degree in Medicine” as the essential qualification. The petitioner argued that dental surgery falls within the definition of medicine under the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.

However, the Court noted that an expert committee had already concluded that BDS is not equivalent to a medical degree. Justice Anand Sharma held that courts cannot expand eligibility criteria under Article 226, as determining equivalence lies within the State’s domain.

The petition was accordingly dismissed.

[Arvind Kumar Gupta v. State of Rajasthan & Anr.]