Kochi, 23 June (H.S.):The Kerala High Court will on Tuesday pronounce its verdict on the state government's appeal against a Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) order that stayed the transfer of Health Services Director Dr. K.J. Reena. The judgment is scheduled to be delivered at 4 p.m.

The state Health Department had moved the High Court challenging the tribunal's order, contending that there was no violation of service rules in the transfer. The government has maintained that Dr. Reena was shifted from the post of Director of Health Services after completing her tenure and that the transfer was carried out in accordance with established procedures.

Dr. Reena, however, has alleged that the transfer was arbitrary and contrary to service regulations. She has argued that her seniority was completely overlooked and that she was effectively downgraded by being posted as Director of the Public Health Laboratory in Ernakulam.

During the previous hearing, the High Court declined to stay the tribunal's order that had set aside the government's decision to remove Dr. Reena from the top post. Following the court's refusal to grant interim relief, both the state government and Dr. Reena indicated that they would abide by further judicial proceedings in the matter.

The dispute has attracted considerable attention as it unfolded amid concerns over the spread of infectious diseases in the state. The tussle over leadership at the Health Department has already led to dramatic developments within the Directorate of Health Services.

After transferring Dr. Reena, the government had assigned the charge of Health Services Director to Additional Director Dr. V. Meenakshi. However, after obtaining a favourable order from the tribunal, Dr. Reena arrived at the Directorate seeking to resume office. The move resulted in an unusual standoff, with Dr. Meenakshi continuing in the position despite the tribunal's ruling.

The High Court's verdict is expected to determine the future course of the dispute and provide clarity on the leadership of Kerala's Health Department.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman