Court Criticizes State's 'Insensitive' Stance Against Doctor

The Punjab and Haryana High Court criticized the Haryana government for initiating disciplinary action against a doctor for not standing when an MLA visited a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court deemed the state's actions 'insensitive' and demanded a no-objection certificate for the doctor to pursue further studies.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has sharply criticized the Haryana government for its 'insensitive' disciplinary action against a doctor who failed to stand during a visit by an MLA to the hospital's emergency ward. The doctor, on duty amid the COVID-19 pandemic, was facing disciplinary proceedings simply because he did not rise in acknowledgment of the MLA.

A bench comprising Justices Ashwani Kumar Mishra and Rohit Kapoor admonished the state's behavior as highly disturbing and directed the issuance of a no-objection certificate (NOC) to the doctor, allowing him to pursue a postgraduate medical course. Additionally, the court imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 on the state for its actions.

The case highlights growing concerns over the treatment of medical professionals, with the court emphasizing the essential need for respect and courtesy toward dedicated individuals in the medical field. The court's order underlined that the pending show-cause notice should not obstruct the doctor's educational pursuits.

(With inputs from agencies.)