High Court Warns Of Contempt Over Delhi Govt's Failure To Appoint Additional Staff At Indira Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday warned of initiating contempt proceedings against officials of the Administrative Reforms Department of the Delhi government, over their failure to comply with its previous direction for expeditious appointments at the Indira Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital in Dwarka.

The Bench of Acting Chief Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Navin Chawla observed that there is prima facie reason to initiate contempt proceedings against the defaulting offices. However, it is willing to give one more chance to the concerned officers to comply with the order dated February 1, 2022, in next two weeks and accordingly, file a status report.

The government had earlier made a requisition for 3,059 posts but only 1,204 posts were approved. A fresh proposal was submitted for approval for additional 1855 posts, but the same was rejected by the Administrative Reforms Department.

In the February 1 order, the High Court had directed the Department to consider the proposal for creation of additional posts, to ensure full staffing in the super specialty hospital so that it can function properly.

Yesterday, the High Court was informed that no decision has been taken thus far and in the absence of medical staff, emergency services have not been made operational in the hospital. Further, the closest facilities for emergency services in a government hospital are in range of 20 kms.

"This position is worrisome and can't be countenanced," the Bench remarked.

It directed that the proposal be examined and thereafter, be placed before the Lieutenant Governor.

The Court has further directed the Delhi government to give names and designations of the officers in the AR Department whose duty it was to comply with the orders. It is also directed to disclose the steps taken to operationalize the emergency services in the hospital.

"In case of non-compliance of our orders dated 1 February, 2022 by the next date, Principal Secretary (AR Department) shall remain present in the Court," it ordered.

Earlier, the Court had directed the Principal Secretary of Health of the Delhi Government to personally monitor the progress of the project on a weekly basis and that appropriate disciplinary action must be there for those guilty of any lapse or negligence.

It had also ordered the government to give it a timeline as to when the facility will be functional, which the government would bind itself to and non-adherence to which would give rise to consequences.

Case Title: DWARKA COURT BAR ASSOCIATION v. STATE (NCT OF DELHI) & ORS.