Madras HC denies govt doctor's plea challenging transfer orders, directs district officers to submit report on PHCs

However, the Madras High Court bench dismissed the plea and noted that she could submit a representation before the High Court only after assuming her new office, adds the New Indian Express.

Referring to the fact that government may decide that a specific officer would be the best person for tackling certain issues in a particular place or post, the bench noted that it was subjective satisfaction of the concerned authority and that is why; the power of judicial review was limited.

Further reminding that government servants played a significant role and enjoyed a special status, the bench further clarified that the courts, in all circumstances, cannot interfere with the administrative reasons as it is not possible to define such reasons in a narrow compass.

As per the latest media report by The Hindu, while dismissing the plea the HC bench referred to the allegations that doctors and medical staff appointed in the Primary Health Centers were not attending their work and performing their duties and responsibilities.

At this outset, the judge noted that it was the responsibility of the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine to conduct frequent inspections in the Primary Health Centers in order to make sure that the doctors and other medical staff who were posted in there were fulfilling their duties and responsibilities properly.

The bench also opined that if there was any lapse or negligence on the part of the doctors and medical staff, action should be initiated under the Discipline and Appeal Rules.

Observing that the district-level officers should monitor the situation, the bench also directed them to submit a report before the HOD.