CAT stays transfer of Delhi DGHS Dr Vatsala Aggarwal, HC to hear matter
Dr Vatsala Aggarwal
New Delhi: The recent order of the Delhi Government, transferring Dr Vatsala Aggarwal from the post of Director General of Health Services (DGHS), has been stayed by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that after around nine months of being appointed to the post of the Director of Health Services (DHS), Dr Aggarwal was transferred by the Delhi Government on May 21, 2026, and she was placed under "awaiting posting" status until further orders. In the interim, the Medical Superintendent of Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital (JPCH) was given the responsibility to look after the charge of the Director, Health Services, as per the existing link arrangements.
However, Dr. Aggarwal had appealed against the order, and the Tribunal, while considering the appeal, observed that she had made out a ''prima facie case'' and that irreparable prejudice could be caused if the order was not stayed during the pendency of the matter.
Aggarwal had challenged the May 21 transfer order, claiming that it was linked to a recent vigilance inspection. The tribunal noted that the Delhi government has sought more time to file detailed instructions in the matter.
The CAT, which deals with grievances by government employees, also referred to Supreme Court observations that transfer cannot be used ''in lieu of punishment'' and that 'mala fide transfers' are open to judicial interference, PTI has reported.
According to the doctor's petition, it was alleged that the transfer was linked to a recent vigilance inspection conducted in the health department. The plea stated that vigilance officials sought procurement-related files linked to medicines, surgical items and medical equipment on May 18 and 19.
As per the application, she cooperated fully with vigilance officials, shared available records and even sought duplicate ''shadow files'' to ensure continuity of patient care and procurement work.
Her counsel argued that despite this cooperation, she was abruptly removed from the DGHS post within days of the vigilance exercise.
The petition further stated that no disciplinary proceedings, vigilance inquiry or adverse entry had ever been initiated against her during more than 30 years of service.
The application also argued that the transfer violated the Delhi Health Services transfer policy because she was moved without being given any substantive posting.
According to the plea, she was overseeing Delhi Medical Council elections scheduled for May 31, and her sudden removal just before the polls showed ''non-application of mind''.
CAT had stayed the transfer order till May 29, when the matter was listed for further hearing. Meanwhile, an official from the Delhi Government, aware of the issue, told the Hindustan Times, "The interim order that was passed by the CAT has been challenged by the government in the Delhi HC, which is listed for Monday. Further, the CAT in today’s hearing adjourned the matter for July 10 and stated that the interim order will be continued."
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