The top court has justified the test of knowledge of a professional."There is nothing wrong if knowledge of a professional is tested", the Supreme Court observed on Friday when three Chattisgarh-based doctors came to it saying they are being forced to undertake the test to continue practicing as ultrasonologists.

Putting its observation on record,the SC observed that the test of professional skill was not wrong and would ultimately benefit patients. However, the top court said that the senior MBBS doctors, who have been performing ultrasonography for 15 years or more, can be allowed to practice if they do not wish to take up the test now prescribed by the authorities.

"Even lawyers are asked to take an examination to practice law. We see no wrong if the knowledge of professional is tested," said the bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde.

"But, we can protect those who have been practicing as ultrasonologist for a period of 15 years or more," said the bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Sury Kant.

These judges opined that there is nothing wrong if the patients are treated by qualified professionals and gave the example of robotic surgery and said that many old physicians were not equipped to deal with the aspect of medical science.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the doctors Anil Wasti, Manjeet Singh Chandrasen and Bhaskar Prasad, had said that 2014 Rules have been made effective with retrospective effect and mandated that the practicing doctors will also have to take the exam.