Kerala HC Orders Status Quo in Kozhikode DMO Transfer Controversy

Published On 2025-01-01 11:45 GMT | Update On 2025-01-01 11:45 GMT

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Kozhikode: The Kerala High Court on Friday directed authorities to maintain the status quo before the controversial transfer of medical officers at the Kozhikode District Medical Officer (DMO) office.

According to a recent media report, the controversy arose when the existing Kozhikode DMO N. Rajendran refused to relinquish his post to Dr. Asha Devi, who had been transferred from Ernakulam to Kozhikode as the new DMO. Rajendran challenged his transfer to the directorate as Additional Director in the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT), while Dr Asha Devi officially took charge on December 10 but faced resistance.

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The situation escalated on December 13 when Rajendran resumed office, citing a favorable KAT order. Dr. Asha Devi, who returned from leave on December 23, found Rajendran still occupying the chair. In an unusual turn of events, she sat on a chair in front of him, reports The Hindu.

Justice Kauser Edappagath emphasized that the Kerala Administrative Tribunal had directed the health department to hear grievances from affected officers regarding the December 9 transfer order and issue fresh directions within a month. Despite, the Tribunal’s instructions, the Health Department decided to implement a December 9 government order related to transferring DMOs in various districts.

Drawing on an order from the KAT dated December 19, K.J. Reena, Director of Health Services, issued an additional order stating that the tribunal was not meddling with the government's transfer decision since not all the transferred employees sought the tribunal’s intervention, reports a Daily. The KAT, however, mentioned that the December 9 transfer order was issued “in violation of principles of natural justice.” The tribunal stated that all parties affected by the transfer order might have their claims reviewed, and new orders could be issued within one month after "affording an opportunity of hearing them.”

Amidst all these, following the Health Department’s order, Dr Asha Devi, who is the Additional Director of the Directorate of Health Services, took charge as the DMO for Kozhikode which caused major controversy. Soon the matter was taken by the high court and the court criticized the director of health services for instructing compliance with the transfer order on December 24 despite the KAT’s directive, reports The New Indian Express.

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Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.

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