New Delhi: The Delhi High Court directed the Central Government to decide within two months a plea seeking its constitution. The petition was filed by the Indian Professional Nurses Association, which argued that despite the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act, 2023 being in force, the Commission has not yet been constituted.
The court’s direction aims to ensure timely consideration of the representation submitted by the nursing body.
National Nursing And Midwifery Commission: Delhi High Court Issues Direction To Centre
The Delhi High Court, presided over by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, directed the Central Government to treat the petition as a representation and take a decision on it within two months.
The court ordered that the decision should be communicated to the petitioner after it is taken. The plea was disposed of with liberty to the petitioner to approach the court again if further grievances arise.
What Was The Petition About
The petition was filed by the Indian Professional Nurses Association (IPNA). The association sought implementation of the provisions of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act, 2023, particularly the constitution of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission under Section 3 of the Act.
The petitioner also sought repeal of the Indian Nursing Council in accordance with Section 56 of the Act, arguing that the continued delay in establishing the new Commission was arbitrary and discriminatory.
What Is The National Nursing And Midwifery Commission
The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act, 2023 was enacted to replace the Indian Nursing Council and create a modern regulatory framework for nursing and midwifery education, training and professional practice in India.
The law aims to improve professional standards, strengthen nursing education and create a transparent regulatory system for the sector.
Why Is National Nursing And Midwifery Commission Important
Nurses form one of the largest healthcare workforces in India. The Commission is expected to regulate educational standards, professional registration, training and practice while ensuring better governance in the nursing sector.
Delay In Constitution Of NNMC
According to the petitioner, the Act and related rules came into force during 2024. The Central Government had also invited applications in March 2024 for various positions in the proposed Commission. However, the Commission has not yet been constituted. The association further relied on an RTI response dated July 7, 2026, which reportedly confirmed that no appointments to the NNMC had been made.
National Nursing And Midwifery Commission: Court’s Observation
Instead of issuing direct directions for immediate constitution of the Commission, the court chose to treat the petition as a representation. The respondents were directed to examine the issues raised and take an appropriate decision within two months.
This approach allows the Government to formally consider the concerns raised by the nursing association before any further judicial intervention.
Background Of The National Nursing And Midwifery Commission Act
The National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act, 2023 received Presidential assent in August 2023. The legislation was introduced to modernize nursing regulation and replace the decades-old Indian Nursing Council framework with a more comprehensive institutional structure.
The Act provides for a new commission-based regulatory system aimed at strengthening nursing and midwifery services throughout the country.
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FAQs
The NNMC is a proposed statutory regulatory body created under the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Act, 2023 to regulate nursing and midwifery education, training and professional practice in India.
The Delhi High Court directed the Central Government to decide within two months a representation seeking constitution of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission.
The Commission is expected to replace the Indian Nursing Council and strengthen governance, education standards, professional regulation and accountability in the nursing sector.
