Why Did the HC Reject the Bengal Govt's Order on Doctor Transfer?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Calcutta High Court has overturned a controversial transfer order for a junior doctor connected to a high-profile movement. This decision highlights issues of merit and fairness in medical postings in West Bengal, raising questions about the state's recruitment practices amidst ongoing debates.
Key Takeaways
- The Calcutta High Court ruled against a government transfer order.
- The decision emphasized the importance of merit in medical postings.
- Dr. Aniket Mahato remains at R.G. Kar Medical College.
- Other junior doctors were similarly affected by transfer orders.
- The ruling highlights ongoing issues in West Bengal's healthcare recruitment practices.
Kolkata, Sep 24 (NationPress) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court has ruled against a West Bengal government directive that sought to transfer a junior doctor who emerged as a prominent figure in the movement following the tragic rape-murder of a female medical student at the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in August last year.
In a decisive move, Justice Biswajit Basu dismissed the transfer order for Dr. Aniket Mahato, who was slated to be moved to Raiganj Medical College & Hospital located in the distant North Dinajpur district of North Bengal. Justice Basu declared that Dr. Mahato’s position would remain at R.G. Kar, which he had identified as his preferred posting during the counselling session for senior resident doctors.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Mahato completed his post-graduation from R.G. Kar.
During the proceedings, Justice Basu emphasized that the counselling session intended to determine senior resident doctors' postings loses its significance if the “first choice of posting” from that session is not honored.
Justice Basu further pointed out that it is reasonable for the posting of candidates to be determined by their merit, suggesting that those ranked higher in the merit list should be granted their preferred postings.
In this case, Justice Basu remarked that the state government failed to demonstrate goodwill in recruitment practices based on merit.
Following the ruling, the state government counsel expressed dissatisfaction and sought to stay the order until October 7. However, Justice Basu rejected this request outright.
Dr. Mahato was not alone in being denied his first-choice posting; two other junior doctors, Debasish Halder and Asfaqulla Naiya, who are also key figures in the R.G. Kar movement, faced similar challenges regarding their postings.
Point of View
The ruling by the Calcutta High Court underscores the importance of adhering to merit-based practices in medical postings. It reflects a broader concern regarding fairness within recruitment processes, ensuring that candidates' choices are respected and that their qualifications are duly recognized. Such decisions not only affect individual careers but also the integrity of the healthcare system as a whole.
NationPress
24/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main issue with the transfer order?
The main issue was that the transfer order for Dr. Aniket Mahato disregarded his preference for posting, which was determined during the counselling session.
Who is Dr. Aniket Mahato?
Dr. Aniket Mahato is a junior doctor who became a prominent figure in the movement following the rape-murder of a fellow medical student at R.G. Kar Medical College.
What did Justice Basu say about merit in postings?
Justice Basu stated that postings should be based on merit, implying that candidates higher on the merit list should receive their preferred placements.
What was the response of the state government to the ruling?
The state government counsel expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling and requested a stay on the order, which was denied by Justice Basu.
Were other doctors affected by similar transfer orders?
Yes, two other junior doctors, Debasish Halder and Asfaqulla Naiya, also faced denial of their first-choice postings after the counselling session.
