Supreme Court Refers Question of AYUSH–MBBS Parity to Larger Bench

The Supreme Court referred a larger bench the question of whether AYUSH doctors are entitled to parity in pay, service conditions, and retirement age with MBBS doctors.

A bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran noted conflicting rulings on the issue and said parity must be examined based on qualifications, nature of duties, and work performed.

The Court observed that MBBS doctors handle critical care, surgeries, and emergency procedures, distinguishing them from AYUSH practitioners. It held that an authoritative ruling was needed and directed the registry to place the matter before the CJI.