Delhi HC Directs Centre to Decide on Implementing NNMC Act Within Two Months
The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Union Government to take appropriate action within two months on a representation seeking the implementation of the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Act, 2023.
Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma passed the order on a petition filed by the Indian Professional Nurses Association (IPNA), which challenged the delay in constituting the NNMC and implementing the legislation. The court stated that if the government fails to take action within the two-month period, the association would be at liberty to approach the court again.
The petition, filed through advocate Robin Raju, sought a time-bound update on the selection and appointment of the Commission’s office-bearers and members across its various boards. The NNMC Act was enacted to replace the 77-year-old Indian Nursing Council Act and introduce a modern framework for regulating standards in nursing and midwifery education.
According to the plea, the NNMC Act received presidential assent in August 2023. The Central government subsequently brought its provisions into force on February 29, 2024, notified the rules on March 13, 2024, and invited applications for posts in the Commission and its boards on March 14, 2024. Despite these steps, the Commission had not been constituted.
An RTI response received by the IPNA from the Centre on July 7, 2026, stated that the NNMC had not been established and that no appointments or recruitments had been made for the Commission.
The IPNA argued that the delay was arbitrary and discriminatory, pointing out that national regulatory commissions for other healthcare professions had already been formed. The association contended that the prolonged absence of the nursing commission directly affects nursing education quality, professional service standards, and the public's right to health.
The association also raised concerns regarding the functioning of the existing Indian Nursing Council, citing issues with the Nurses Registration and Tracking System (NRTS) portal, the absence of an effective grievance redressal mechanism, and inadequate enforcement against nursing institutions.
The petition stated that the IPNA had repeatedly approached authorities over these matters and submitted a representation to the Union Health Minister on July 20, 2026, but received no response.
