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Ranchi, April 29, 2025:
The Jharkhand High Court has issued an immediate stay on the state government’s order to remove Dr. Rajkumar from his position as Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), the state’s largest medical college and hospital. The court’s decision, delivered by Justice Deepak Roshan, comes just days after Dr. Rajkumar was dismissed from his post by the Health Department.
Court Cites Procedural Lapses
Justice Roshan observed that the dismissal order was “stigmatic” and did not follow due legal process. The court emphasized that Dr. Rajkumar should have been given a chance to respond to the allegations before any action was taken. Notices have been issued to the State government and other concerned parties, asking them to file their replies by affidavit. A detailed hearing is scheduled for May 6.
Background of the Case
Dr. Rajkumar, a neurosurgeon who previously served at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, was appointed Director of RIMS for a three-year term beginning January 31, 2024. However, he was removed just 14 months into his tenure. The official reason cited for his removal was “public interest,” as per a letter signed by Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari on April 17, 2025.
Allegations of Political Interference
Sources suggest that a heated altercation between Dr. Rajkumar and Health Minister Ansari during a RIMS Governing Body meeting may have triggered the dismissal. Following the court’s stay, Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi alleged that Dr. Rajkumar was ousted after refusing to authorize an illegal payment worth several crores of rupees, allegedly under pressure from the Health Minister and departmental officials.
Marandi claimed that the High Court’s intervention has exposed what he called a “conspiracy” by the Hemant Soren government to misuse the state’s premier health institution. He urged honest officers to resist corrupt practices and called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the circumstances of Dr. Rajkumar’s removal.
Political Fallout
The opposition has further demanded the removal of ministers who allegedly pressure officers into illegal acts, warning that failure to act could lead to further scandals in the administration.
Next Steps
The High Court’s stay will remain in effect until the next hearing on May 6, when the matter will be further examined.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on information reported by The Pioneer and other publicly available sources as of April 29, 2025. Allegations mentioned in this article have not been independently verified. The case is sub judice, and the final outcome will depend on the court’s decision after the scheduled hearing. Readers are advised to follow updates from official and reputable news sources for the latest developments.
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