HC slams Haryana govt's 'insensitive' action against doctor who failed to stand for MLA, imposes ₹50K fine

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed strong displeasure over a decision of the Haryana government, calling it "insensitive." The case involves a government doctor who faced disciplinary action because he failed to stand up in respect when an MLA arrived in the emergency ward while on COVID duty. A bench of Justices Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Rohit Kapoor termed the action as extremely concerning and imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on the Haryana government. The court ordered the amount to be deposited in the Poor Patient Welfare Fund of PGIMER, Chandigarh. It also directed authorities to immediately issue the doctor the necessary "No Objection Certificate" (NOC) for pursuing a post-graduation (PG) course.

This entire case concerns the petitioner, Dr. Manoj, who served as a Casualty Medical Officer with the Haryana government. In his petition, the doctor stated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, while on duty in the emergency ward of a government hospital, an MLA came for an inspection. The MLA became upset that the doctor did not stand up to greet him upon his arrival. Subsequently, the state government issued a show-cause notice to the doctor, proposing a minor penalty under the Haryana Civil Services Rules, 2016. Dr. Manoj responded in June 2024 that he had not done so intentionally, but had simply failed to recognize the MLA. However, despite this, no final relief was granted in the case and his NOC was withheld.

The court expressed surprise and disappointment at the state government's attitude. The bench sternly remarked that expecting a doctor on emergency duty to stand and pay respect to an MLA upon his arrival, and then taking action against him for failing to do so, was deeply disturbing. The court stated that taking action against a doctor based on such allegations reflects the state's insensitivity. Denying the doctor an NOC and denying him the right to higher education is a completely arbitrary decision.

While delivering its verdict, the High Court also expressed concern over the attitude of society and the administration. The court lamented that newspapers often report patients' relatives or public representatives mistreating doctors without any valid reason. It is time to strictly curb such untoward incidents and give dedicated and honest doctors the respect they deserve. The court, while accepting the petition, reprimanded the government and ordered immediate relief for the doctor.