Ensure equal opportunity for Prof, CAT directs GMCH

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 6

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Chandigarh, has directed the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, to consider and forward the name of Dr Sushumna Sood, Professor, Department of Biochemistry, for appointment as an internal examiner in all future examinations to be conducted by Panjab University, as per the existing guidelines on the rotation of examiners.

The CAT said she should be offered equal opportunities for teaching and examiner duty in all future examinations, in compliance with the advisory issued by the Medical Council of India.

Dr Sood had challenged the decision of the GMCH, through counsel DR Sharma, for not considering her name for the appointment of an internal examiner despite fulfilling all criteria. Sharma pleaded that she fulfilled all qualifications for being appointed as an examiner on a rotation basis, but she was denied the opportunities by the GMCH and her juniors were appointed as internal examiner. The applicant alleged bias with mala fide intention on the grounds of her being a non-medico teacher.

The counsels of the respondents contested her claims. After hearings the arguments, CAT said after utilising her services as teacher for many years, there was no basis to now claim that she was not qualified to teach students. The Tribunal said the applicant had a PhD from the PGI, which was a medical college.

The Tribunal said there could be no reason as to why she could not be considered to be appointed as an internal examiner at the medical college affiliated with the PU. In any case, the decision to appoint her as an internal examiner rests with the PU and not with Government Medical College. The respondents are directed to consider and forward her name for appointment as an internal examiner for exams being conducted by the PU. She shall be offered equal opportunities.