Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) has decided to confer an honorary doctorate on A.C. Shanmugam, chairman of RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Sri Chamundeshwari Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Channapatna, and the RajaRajeswari Group of Institutions.

Interestingly, the State government is engaged in a legal battle with RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital over its affiliation.

Dr. Bhagavan B.C., Vice-Chancellor of the university, said the decision to confer the honorary doctorate was taken by a committee constituted by the Governor. “We forwarded the profiles received to the committee. We have no role in the selection process,” he said.

Medical Education Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, while expressing displeasure over the decision, said, “The legal dispute involving the institution is still pending before the court. The honorary doctorate was decided by the committee appointed by the Governor. Therefore, we cannot object to the list.”

Case background

RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital was affiliated to RGUHS. However, in 2019, the college claimed affiliation with Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, a deemed-to-be university in Chennai.

A case relating to its affiliation is pending before the Madras High Court. The college has obtained a stay order and continues to claim affiliation under Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute.