Summary: Dr. O. Chandran, a retired surgeon, wanted his job status to be made permanent but faced a setback because of an ongoing criminal case. The court rejected his request but left the option open for him to try again in the future.
Dr. O. Chandran, who worked as an Assistant Surgeon, asked for his job status to be made permanent starting from August 8, 2008. He wanted all the benefits that come with it. However, his request was turned down by an order from the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, dated July 14, 2018.
The court had earlier told the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine to consider Dr. Chandran's request based on his passing a special exam by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission. But the authorities said they couldn't make his job permanent because there was still a criminal case against him.
"We cannot make the job permanent until we receive the final report or decision on the case P.S.cr.No. 381/2007 pending against the individual."
Dr. Chandran was involved in a criminal case related to his role in a group called Kallar Kalvi Kazhagam. He argued that this case had nothing to do with his job, but the court noted that just because the case is on hold doesn't mean it's finished. The case was still ongoing, and he hadn't shown any results after seven years.
Justice A.D. Maria Clete rejected Dr. Chandran's request, stating there was no reason to change the earlier decision. However, the court mentioned that Dr. Chandran could ask the government to look at his case again after the criminal case is over.
"After the criminal case is finished, the Petitioner can ask the Government to review the decision."
For now, Dr. Chandran's attempt to make his job permanent is on hold. But there's a chance for another review if the criminal case ends in his favor. Until then, the court's decision remains in effect.
