Will the Jharkhand Govt Reconsider the Removal of RIMS Director?

Synopsis
In a significant turn of events, the Jharkhand government has decided to withdraw its order dismissing Dr. Raj Kumar from his position as the Director of RIMS. This decision, following a court hearing, not only reinstates Dr. Kumar but also highlights the complexities of administrative procedures and legal frameworks in healthcare governance.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Raj Kumar remains the Director of RIMS.
- The Jharkhand government has retracted the dismissal order.
- The High Court found the removal legally questionable.
- Due process is crucial in administrative actions.
- The incident raises concerns about governance in healthcare.
Ranchi, May 6 (NationPress) Dr. Raj Kumar will remain the Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, as the Jharkhand government has decided to retract its previous order dismissing him from the position.
This decision emerged during a session at the Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday.
Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan conveyed to the court that the government will rescind its order dated April 17, which had relieved Dr. Kumar of his duties.
In light of this announcement, Justice Deepak Roshan dismissed the petition that Dr. Kumar had filed against his removal.
The court also instructed that Dr. Kumar should not face any harassment until the formal retraction of the order is completed.
Dr. Kumar's removal was initiated by Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who also leads the RIMS Governing Council.
The dismissal was based on claims that Dr. Kumar failed to adhere to directives issued in the public interest by the Council of Ministers, the Governing Council, and the Health Department.
Furthermore, the order alleged that his performance as Director was inadequate. The dismissal was effective immediately, with Dr. Kumar entitled to three months’ salary and benefits in lieu of notice. Minister Ansari indicated that Chief Minister Hemant Soren had also approved the order.
In response to this decision, Dr. Kumar sought relief from the High Court, which suspended the government's action on April 28.
Justice Roshan remarked that the removal appeared to be "stigmatic" and lacked legal foundation since due process had not been adhered to.
The court had requested a response from the state government via an affidavit.
With the state now opting to retract the order, the court has concluded the proceedings, offering relief to Dr. Kumar and resolving the legal dispute regarding his removal.