KEM Hospital Puts MBBS Student Sejal Pawar on 15-Day Leave Over Cadaver Remarks

Mumbai’s KEM Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College have placed third-year MBBS student Sejal Pawar on 15 days compulsory leave after her remarks on male cadavers during a stand-up comedy show in Gurugram sparked controversy.

An official statement said Pawar has been directed to cooperate fully with the inquiry and remain available to the committee. The institution had first set up a two-member probe panel and is now proposing a five-member inquiry committee comprising senior faculty, an external member and institutional representatives.

The panel will examine the facts, context, impact of remarks , and the role of social media circulation before submitting recommendations. The hospital said action will follow norms under the National Medical Commission (NMC) , MUHS , BMC , and institutional regulations, and stressed that no final conclusion has been reached .

The controversy began after clips from comedian Pranit More’s show went viral, showing Pawar making remarks about cadavers used in medical education. The comments were widely criticised as disrespectful toward body donors and the deceased , following which she issued an apology.

The incident has triggered broader ethical and academic debates within the medical community. Experts and observers highlight the importance of maintaining professional conduct, dignity of human remains, and sensitivity in public discourse , especially for medical students bound by strict ethical standards. The case has also raised questions about social media amplification of sensitive content and how institutions should balance disciplinary action with educational responsibility and fairness in such situations.

Separately, Maharashtra Cyber police have registered a case against comedian Pranit More, web developer Himanshu Jangra and others over alleged dissemination of objectionable online content .