SC seeks explanation on reduction of doctors for promotion

New Delhi, Mar 31 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed the Union Family Welfare Ministry to file an affidavit within three weeks explaining how the number of 134 doctors to be promoted to the State Administrative Grade (SAG) has come down to 41.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal, Mr Justice C K Thakkar and Mr Justice R V Raveendran issued the directions when the Additional Solicitor General Mr R Mohan told the court that 41 regularised doctors have been promoted to the SAG grade and notifications would be issued within a couple of days.

Counsel for the regular doctor, Nageshwar Rao, however, submitted that these doctors were being promoted to the post meant for his client.

Counsel for the petitioner Dr P P C Rawani and others, stated that the state was not complying with the court's order.

He also pointed out that in its earlier affidavit, the Union Ministry had stated that 134 doctors were eligible for promotion to the grade and now they were telling the court that only 41 doctors were to be promoted to SAG and the promotion would be with effect from February 18, 2005.

UNI AKS-SC CS RS1322