No one who acts against government will be allowed to continue in position; stay order not a setback for government, says K Muraleedharan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has reacted to the Administrative Tribunal's decision to stay the transfer order of Health Director Dr K.J. Reena. The minister said that no one who acts against the government will be allowed to continue in the position. He also said that those who do not follow government directions will not remain in office during his tenure. When asked whether Dr Reena had acted against the government, the minister said the government would present its argument in the higher court.

Responding to questions from reporters, the minister said the tribunal's order was not a setback for the government. He pointed out that there are higher courts where the matter can be challenged.

"Did Pinarayi Vijayan resign when Senkumar was removed from the post of DGP? The tribunal's order is not a setback for the government. There is a higher court. Certain decisions will be made in administrative matters. There are higher institutions above, aren't there? If a Sessions Court awards a death sentence, there is a High Court above it,” the minister said.

Earlier, the Thiruvananthapuram Administrative Tribunal had stayed the government's order transferring Dr K.J. Reena from the post of Health Director. The action came after Dr Reena filed a complaint alleging denial of justice. The minister had earlier stated that action was taken against Dr Reena because she acted against the system. The Health Department claims that she took certain decisions without consulting the government.

Dr Reena was appointed as Health Director during the tenure of the LDF government. Last week, she was transferred and appointed as the Director of the Public Health Laboratory in Ernakulam. Dr V. Meenakshi, Additional Director (Family Welfare), was given charge as Health Director following the transfer order.