Kerala HC Orders Status Quo in Kozhikode DMO Transfer Controversy

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.
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.
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