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Shimla, Himachal Pradesh — In a stern rebuke to the state government, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the immediate reinstatement of a medical college professor, criticizing the administration for its “ulterior motive” in prematurely retiring her. The court’s decision brings a significant victory to Dr. Susheela Rana, the former Head of the Department of Anatomy at Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College, Nerchowk.
The ruling came after Dr. Rana was retired at the age of 65, despite multiple government policies from 2020, 2021, and 2023 allowing for a service extension for faculty members up to 68 years of age. The High Court’s verdict quashed the government’s retirement orders, which it found to be unjust and contrary to its own regulations.
This is not the first time Dr. Rana has had to seek legal recourse. She was first ordered to retire at 62 in 2022, an action the High Court had stayed, permitting her to continue her service until March 2025. The latest retirement order, issued without the court’s permission, was deemed a deliberate attempt to deny her the rightful extension. The court highlighted that other professors in similar positions had been granted extensions, and there was no record of misconduct against Dr. Rana.
The High Court also pointed out the state’s severe shortage of medical faculty, which has led to penalties from the National Medical Commission (NMC). By retiring an experienced professor, the government’s actions were viewed as detrimental to the education of students and the public’s interest.
The court has directed the government to reinstate Dr. Rana, considering her service to be continuous until she reaches 68, and to provide her with all consequential benefits.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information available in the public domain and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for legal advice. Readers are advised to consult with a legal professional for specific legal guidance.
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