ADVOCATE Satyam Singh Rajput has emerged as a strong voice for India’s doctors. From challenging NEET-PG issues to defending doctors in crisis zones, he combines sharp legal skills with a commitment to justice. In this exclusive interview with ‘The Hitavada’ News Editor Mukesh S Singh, he shares his journey and mission.

 

Ans – The core issue is the unchecked opacity of the National Board of Examinations. As I’ve repeatedly argued in court, “The NBE’s repeated failures have turned medical examinations into a lottery system.” Coaching centres have hijacked the merit narrative. Until thirdparty audits, transparency protocols, and accountability mechanisms become compulsory, aspirants will remain victims of a broken system masquerading as a fair one.

 

Ans – That transparency is not their priority. That decision was made with zero stakeholder engagement and created chaos. When I challenged it in court, I made it clear—such unpredictability in high-stakes environments is unacceptable. These are not just tests –they shape careers and lives. Q3: How do you respond to critics who say judicial activism oversteps academic autonomy?

Ans – That argument is misleading. Judicial intervention arises when institutions entrusted with academic autonomy violate constitutional principles of equality and fairness. The court isn’t dismantling academia-it’s preserving the rights of students wronged by institutional lapses. The judiciary becomes the conscience of governance when silence is no longer an option.

 

Ans – Because it wasn’t just one incident-it was a mirror to the vulnerability of every doctor in India. I said it in court, and I believe it deeply: “When doctors are not safe in their own hospitals, how can they save lives?” Filing that petition was a moral duty, not just legal advocacy. The system had failed its healers.

 

Ans – Four key reforms are both needed and possible. First, better safety measures like CCTV cameras, panic buttons, and trained security guards, especially during night shifts. Second, strict limits on duty hours because “a tired doctor can be a dangerous doctor.” Third, speedy legal action in cases of assault on doctors. And fourth, making hospital management legally responsible for ensuring staff safety.

 

Ans – By remembering that every case is about constitutional justice, not personalities. Whether it’s FODA or a young intern, the core issue remains the same-dignity, fairness, and safety. I don’t litigate for applause-I litigate for principles.

 

Ans – Article 21 of the Constitution is the strongest weapon. Inhuman working conditions violate the right to life and dignity. We’ve used PILs, writs, and mandamus petitions to hold institutions accountable and enforce labour codes. The laws exist-we must compel compliance.

 

Ans - It stripped away illusions. During the pandemic, I fought cases involving black-marketing of oxygen, exploitation of healthcare staff, and academic fee burdens. What I learnt is this-real justice is systemic dignity, not courtroom victory. You don’t need a gun to serve the nation. Sometimes, you need a petition that forces the powerful to listen.