Synopsis
The Jharkhand High Court has intervened in a significant political controversy by halting the removal of Dr Raj Kumar as RIMS Director. The court's decision highlights the importance of due process in administrative actions, raising questions about the motivations behind the government's abrupt dismissal.Key Takeaways
- Jharkhand HC halted the removal of Dr Raj Kumar.
- Legal process must be followed for dismissals.
- Political controversy highlights governance issues.
- Next hearing set for May 6.
- Dr Raj Kumar's prior experience includes a role in Neurology.
Ranchi, April 28 (NationPress) The Jharkhand High Court has temporarily suspended the state government's directive to dismiss Dr Raj Kumar from his role as the Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, effective immediately.
The court deemed the method of Dr Raj Kumar's removal as legally indefensible, asserting that a disparaging order cannot be enacted without adhering to the necessary procedures.
On April 17, the Jharkhand Health Minister and Chairman of the RIMS Governing Council, Irfan Ansari, issued an order relieving Dr Raj Kumar from his position.
This governmental order cited purported non-adherence to directives from the Council of Ministers, the Governing Council, and the Health Department, labeling his tenure as Director as inadequate.
Citing the RIMS manual, the government decree stated Dr Raj Kumar's immediate removal, along with three months' salary and allowances, and indicated that the decision received the endorsement of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
In response, Dr Raj Kumar contested the dismissal in the High Court. He characterized the action as “autocratic” and expressed his astonishment.
During the hearing on Monday, Justice Deepak Roshan stayed the government’s order and sent notices to the state government and other involved parties, requesting responses via affidavits.
The court underscored the necessity for proper procedures during such dismissals, highlighting that no individual should be terminated in a disparaging manner without the opportunity to be heard.
The next hearing is set for May 6.
The abrupt ousting of Dr Raj Kumar from his position as RIMS Director has incited significant political debate in Jharkhand.
Opposition leader in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, accused the government of removing Dr Raj Kumar for declining to authorize payments amounting to several crores of rupees to private diagnostic centers under pressure from the Health Minister and officials.
Dr Raj Kumar was appointed as RIMS Director on January 31, 2024. Before this role, he was a professor in the Department of Neurology at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow.
