Mumbai, April 2026: In a controversial move that has triggered widespread opposition from the medical community, the Maharashtra government is planning to scrap elections to the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) and replace the system with nominated appointments.
The decision comes just days before the long-awaited MMC elections, which were scheduled for April 26 following directions from the Supreme Court. These would have been the first elections to the council in nearly a decade, with the last polls held in 2016.
Shift from Elections to Nominations
According to officials, the state government intends to amend the Maharashtra Medical Council Act, 1965—likely through an ordinance—to enable the appointment of council members instead of electing them.
The proposed restructuring may also increase the council’s strength from 18 to around 23 members. The move is reportedly based on recommendations from a high-level committee that studied regulatory models across states as well as the National Medical Commission (NMC), where members are appointed rather than elected.
Government sources argue that the new system will ensure “transparent, merit-based selection” and allow for better representation of experts in medical education and administration.
Elections Scrapped Amid Ongoing Disputes
The decision has intensified an already brewing controversy surrounding the MMC elections. The council has been functioning under an administrator since 2022, and preparations for fresh elections had been underway amid judicial scrutiny.
However, the election process had been marred by multiple disputes, including allegations of political interference and irregularities in candidate selection. A major flashpoint was the reported exclusion of nearly 72,000 doctors from the electoral rolls, which drew sharp criticism from sections of the medical fraternity.
The situation was further complicated by internal divisions within the Indian Medical Association (IMA), with rival factions clashing over the conduct of the elections.
Strong Opposition from Doctors
Doctors’ bodies and former council members have strongly opposed the government’s move, calling it an attack on the democratic functioning of a key professional regulator.
Critics argue that replacing elections with nominations would undermine the autonomy of the council and increase the scope for government control. Some have warned that the move could mark “the end of democratic representation” within the body.
Several medical professionals and associations are now considering legal options, including approaching the courts to challenge the proposed changes.
Role of the Maharashtra Medical Council
The MMC is a statutory body responsible for regulating medical practice in the state. Its functions include registering medical practitioners, maintaining professional standards, and taking disciplinary action in cases of misconduct.
Given its crucial role in overseeing the medical profession, any change in its composition and functioning has far-reaching implications for doctors as well as healthcare governance.
