In a latest twist of events, Dr L Ranjit assumed charge as director of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal on Friday following a directive of the High Court of Manipur.
The Manipur High Court on October 31 had directed authorities not to allow the present director, Dr G Sunil Kumar Sharma, to function as director of RIMS, Imphal for a period of two months and 28 days.
A decision from the Union Health ministry is still awaited.
Meanwhile, Dr Sunil Kumar Sharma is away in Delhi for SFC meeting with ministry officials.
Dr L Ranjit Singh had filed a writ petition before the HC seeking to quash the impugned order dated January 16, 2023 which entrusted the additional charge of director, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) to another professor doctor and to direct the Secretary and Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, GoI; RIMS and the deputy director, RIMS to consider the case of petitioner for the post of director being the senior most member of the RIMS.
Following the petition, the single judge bench of MV Murlidharan allowed the petition and directed the respondent authorities to give additional charge of director, RIMS, Imphal to Ranjit till his retirement in the month of September 2023.
The HC has directed authorities to give additional charge of director RIMS to L Ranjit till his retirement in the month of September, 2023. But the order was violated by the authorities. Further, L Ranjit filed a contempt petition before the HC.
While hearing, the HC stated that in spite of the HC order, the ministry of health and family welfare, government of India permitted G Sunil Kumar to join service, that too, on Sunday and therefore, the action of ministry is clear violation of the HC order.
The HC is inclined to pass a separate order in contempt application on hearing and it is clear that the ministry has purposely violated the order on the fact that on June, 3, 2023 the HC specifically directed the authorities, including the ministry of health and family welfare to not to give effect the appointment of G Sunil Kumar, and in spite of that, the ministry has permitted him to join his service on June 4, 2023 (Sunday).
Further, the HC directed to give in-charge post of director, RIMS to L Ranjit by extending his service for two months and 28 days for the purpose of functioning as director of RIMS.
The HC further directed G Sunil Kumar to not to function as director of RIMS till a period of two months and 28 days.
