The Biratnagar-based college has invited applications in 19 subjects for a total of 44 students despite the decision from Kathmandu University and Nepal Medical Council to have only six students for the 2014 intake.

NMC had cut down the quota for Nobel from 50 students to six for this year after its evaluation team assessed that the college had no infrastructure and faculties to handle more than six students.

The row surfaced after Nobel issued a notice on Thursday calling for admissions in 44 seats.

On Friday, KU and NMC issued separate statements saying that they have already granted permission for some seats and the statement of Nobel College is not KU’s official position.

Narayan Prasad Dahal, Hospital Manager at Nobel Medical College, claimed that the interim order issued by the Supreme Court on June 10 has asked all the stakeholders not to implement their

decision until a final hearing.

“The NMC and KU are aware that the interim order has cleared the way for enrolling students in the quota granted earlier,” said Dahal. A single-bench of SC Justice Gopal Parajuli on August 12 ordered the NMC and the KU not to implement the decision to cut down the seats.

However, KU and NMC authorities say that until the final verdict comes out, Nobel has no right to admit students as per the previous quota.

“We are authorised to grant the number of seats for colleges affiliated to us. Nobel has no authority to call for admissions in more than six seats until the final verdict,” said Deepak Dahal, administrative officer at the KU Dean’s Office of School of Medical Sciences.

NMC President Dr Damodar Gajurel said Nobel cannot be defiant to their directives. “They should understand that the final court hearing is awaited,” said Dr Gajurel, hinting that the students who apply for the courses would not be registered with the council later.

The NMC on May 12 decided to cut down the quota after its inspection team submitted a report that Nobel cannot handle 50 students and the infrastructure and faculties are enough only for six students. Nobel is affiliated to the KU. NMC regulates medical education in the country.