Arbitration ruling strengthens and reaffirms HIMSR’s autonomy, paves way for seat restoration

Decision reaffirms governance under Hamdard Education Society, clears path for MBBS and PG admissions to proceed for 2025–26 academic year

Chennai, August 17, 2025 – Hamdard National Foundation (HNF), the primary sponsoring body of the Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (HIMSR), has received the arbitration order issued by Hon’ble Arbitral Tribunal constituted by former Chief Justice appointed by the Delhi High Court. The ruling decisively reaffirms HIMSR’s institutional autonomy and governance rights, resolving the affiliation dispute with Jamia Hamdard University and clearing the path for the restoration of 150 MBBS and 49 PG seats for the 2025–26 academic year.

The matter arose in June 2025 when Jamia Hamdard unilaterally withdrew its affiliation from HIMSR without prior consultation, prompting the National Medical Commission (NMC) to place admissions in abeyance to safeguard students. This was followed by media reports alleging financial irregularities. However, these claims were unfounded and linked to an internal governance reorganization and family settlement process from 2019-2021. This action occurred during ongoing court proceedings and in violation of the Hon’ble Delhi High Court’s directive to maintain status quo. The move threatened to disrupt MBBS and PG admissions and risked the academic future of hundreds of aspiring medical students, despite no regulatory or financial non-compliance being attributed to HIMSR by NMC or the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).

HIMSR has consistently maintained full compliance with all regulatory norms, high standards of institutional governance under the guidance by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) since inception. The matter, rooted in Family Settlement Deed (FSD) regarding governance of HLI, HNF and its allied institutions, was referred to arbitration under Delhi High Court oversight to avoid protracted litigation and protect Hamdard’s legacy.

Following extensive hearings, the Arbitrator has upheld HIMSR’s autonomous status as recognized under the FSD dated 24 Oct, 2019 & decreed by the Honorable High Court dated 13 Dec, 2019 and reaffirmed its governance under HES with full academic, administrative, and financial control. The order also protects the interests of enrolled and prospective students by ensuring continuity in operations and admissions.

Key Findings of the Arbitration Order:

Autonomy Affirmed: Confirms the Jamia Hamdard Board of Management’s irrevocable resolution dated 3 July 2021, vesting the Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (HIMSR) with the Hamdard Education Society (HES) for full and independent administrative, academic, and financial control.

Allegations Rejected: Dismisses claims of financial misconduct, noting that merged accounts (2012–2021) were duly adopted by Jamia Hamdard, with no evidence of diversion or non-compliance.

Student-Centric Relief: Orders restoration of affiliation and all seats, ensuring smooth continuation of NEET counselling and admissions.

The spokesperson of HIMSR said, “This order is a significant step towards securing the academic future of our students and reaffirming the values on which HIMSR was built. We remain steadfast in our mission to deliver quality medical education and affordable healthcare to the masses. We urge all stakeholders to respect this legal outcome and join us in safeguarding the institution’s academic integrity and its service to the nation.”

HES reiterates that HIMSR remains in full compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, with finances transparently audited by leading international auditors. The institute continues its mission and is serving over 2,500 patients daily through the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Centenary Hospital (the teaching hospital of HIMSR).