MPHC orders Director's reinstatement

Jabalpur, Nov 18 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh High Court today quashed the state government's order for compulsory retirement of Director (Health) Yogiraj Sharma and ordered his reinstatement.

While hearing Dr Sharma's plea, Justice Rajendra Menon ruled that the government order could not stand on technical grounds.

Petitioner's Counsel N S Kale submitted that the retirement order was issued on December 10, 2007 in the wake of an Income Tax raid at the residence of Dr Sharma's son Gaurav. About Rs 1 crore and objectionable documents were seized.

''However, Mr Gaurav and Dr Sharma reside in different places. Dr Sharma has a good service record and has received 13 awards of national and international levels. Therefore, the government order under Madhya Pradesh Civil Service (Conduct) Rule 1,076 should be struck down,'' Mr Kale submitted.

UNI RG-AC 0045