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Key Points

The Jharkhand government has decided to withdraw its order removing Dr Raj Kumar as RIMS Director following a critical High Court intervention. Justice Deepak Roshan's bench highlighted procedural irregularities in the original removal order, suggesting it was improperly executed. The court's directive ensured Dr Kumar would not be harassed during the process, effectively reinstating him to his position. This development underscores the importance of due process in administrative decisions involving professional leadership.

Key Points: Jharkhand Govt Reverses RIMS Director Dr Kumar Removal Order

  • Jharkhand government withdraws controversial order removing RIMS Director
  • High Court intervenes to protect Dr Kumar's professional standing
  • Health Minister Irfan Ansari's removal order challenged successfully
  • Judicial review ensures due process protection
2 min read

Jharkhand govt to withdraw order removing RIMS Director, HC disposes of petition

Jharkhand High Court disposes of petition after government agrees to withdraw controversial order removing Dr Raj Kumar as RIMS Director

"The removal appeared to be stigmatic in nature and legally untenable - Justice Deepak Roshan"

Ranchi, May 6

Dr Raj Kumar will continue to be the Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, after the Jharkhand government agreed to withdraw its earlier order removing him from the post.

The development came during a hearing in the Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday.

Advocate General Rajiv Ranjan informed the court that the government would withdraw its April 17 order that had relieved Dr Kumar of his responsibilities.

Following this submission, the bench of Justice Deepak Roshan disposed of the petition filed by Dr Kumar challenging his removal.

The court also directed that Dr Kumar should not be harassed in the interim until the withdrawal of the order is formalised.

Dr Kumar was removed through an order issued by Health Minister Irfan Ansari, who also heads the RIMS Governing Council.

The order alleged that Dr Kumar had failed to comply with directives issued in the public interest by the Council of Ministers, the Governing Council, and the Health Department.

It also stated that his performance as Director was unsatisfactory. The removal was to take effect immediately, with Dr Kumar entitled to three months’ salary and allowances in lieu of notice. Minister Ansari said the order had the approval of Chief Minister Hemant Soren also.

Challenging the decision, Dr Kumar moved the High Court, which on April 28 stayed the government’s action.

Justice Roshan observed that the removal appeared to be "stigmatic" in nature and legally untenable, as due process had not been followed.

The court had sought a reply from the state government through an affidavit.

With the state now deciding to withdraw the order, the court concluded the proceedings, bringing relief to Dr Kumar and ending the legal battle over his removal.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Prakash M.
Good to see justice prevailed! The HC's intervention shows how important due process is. Government can't just remove officials without proper reasons and procedures. Dr. Kumar must be feeling relieved today. 👍
S
Sunita K.
This whole episode raises questions about the Health Minister's decision-making. First they remove him abruptly, then withdraw order when court questions it? Seems like unnecessary harassment of a reputed doctor. RIMS is our premier institute, such instability affects patient care.
A
Amit R.
The court rightly called it 'stigmatic' removal. If there were genuine performance issues, proper inquiry should have been done first. Now taxpayers' money wasted on legal proceedings. Hope government learns from this and follows proper channels next time.
M
Meena S.
As someone from Jharkhand, I'm happy Dr. Kumar stays. Under him, RIMS has improved facilities. But government should clarify - if they had valid reasons, why withdraw? If not, why remove him in first place? This flip-flop doesn't inspire confidence 😕
R
Rahul D.
The speed at which government withdrew shows they knew their order wouldn't stand legal scrutiny. Health Minister Ansari should explain what changed in 3 weeks. Public deserves transparency in such matters affecting our medical institutions.
N
Neha P.
While I'm glad Dr. Kumar continues, we must ensure this isn't about political interference in medical institutions. RIMS serves common people - its administration should be based on merit, not political whims. Hope this episode leads to clearer guidelines for such appointments/removals.

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