Says matter sub-judiced, agitation unwarranted
Kohima, August 31 (MExN): Amid the ongoing agitation over the proposed regularisation of 98 COVID-19 medical officers, the Nagaland Health Department today stated that the exercise was carried out in accordance with a court’s ruling, while pointing out that any form of protest presently is unwarranted as the matter remains sub-judiced due to an appeal against the ruling.
In response to the Nagaland Medical Students Association (NMSA) led agitation starting August 30, the Department clarified that the Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench, in its August 1 judgment on two writ petitions [WP(C)/239/2024 and WP(C)/187/2024], dismissed the NMSA’s challenge to the State Government’s decision to conduct a SRD for medical officers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The High Court held that the petitioners had no locus standi to challenge the policy decision, as they were not aggrieved persons and had not made out a case warranting judicial interference under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the Department said.
“Accordingly, the Interim Order dated November 21, 2024, suspending the Special Recruitment Drive (SRD) stands vacated,” added the clarification issued by Dr Mereninla Senlem, Principal Director, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland.
In compliance with the Court’s order, the Department has proceeded with the regularisation of the 98 COVID-19 medical officers through the Departmental Screening Committee as a one-time dispensation for the SRD, in pursuance of the notification dated August 18, it added.
However, as the petitioners have already filed an appeal before the High Court, the Department reiterated that the matter remains sub-judiced, and any form of agitation is unwarranted.
According to the NMSA, apart from 98 medical officers, it is also protesting against the regularisation of a total of 280 COVID-era appointees, including medical officers, dentists, Ayush practitioners and nurses, as annoucned in the August 18 notification.
