K J Reena's transfer: Government to move High Court against Tribunal order

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has filed an appeal in the High Court against the Administrative Tribunal order that cancelled the transfer of Dr K.J. Reena from the post of Director of Health Services. In its appeal, the government stated that there was nothing illegal in transferring Dr Reena. It stated that Dr Reena’s deputation period ended in February 2026 and that she continued as the Director of Health Services without an extension. The government also pointed out that Dr Reena was transferred to the post of in-charge of the Regional Public Health Laboratory in Ernakulam after the post was upgraded.

Meanwhile, Dr Reena reached the Health Department headquarters today with the stay order issued by the tribunal. However, Dr Meenakshi, who currently holds the post of Director of Health Services (DHS), did not vacate the chair. Dr Meenakshi said she would leave the post only after receiving a government order and continued her duties. Dr Reena also stayed seated in the opposite chair. She left the office only after working hours ended.

Due to the dispute, meetings scheduled at the DHS office for preventing infectious diseases were affected. A high-level committee meeting planned at the DHS headquarters to discuss disease prevention was also cancelled.