The Telangana High Court has expressed serious displeasure over the prolonged dispute regarding the allocation of medical department employees between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The High Court questioned the negligence of both state governments for allowing interim orders to remain in force for six years.
The court directed the authorities of the medical departments to file their counter-affidavits by October 29. It cautioned that failure to comply could invite a penalty of 25,000 rupees per day.
The court was dealing with petitions filed by Dr. Ratnam Andalu, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Government Maternity Hospital, Hanamkonda, and Dr. Srilakshmi, professor of pathology at Government Medical College at Maheshwaram. They challenged the Telangana government's orders of August 2026, which relieved them of their duties.
The petitioners contended that under Section 77 of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, the authority to make the final allocation of employees rested with the Central government. They argued that state-level authorities could not compel them to relocate before the Centre issued the final allocations and sought permission to continue in their posts until the process was completed.
This ongoing dispute highlights a clear lack of coordination between the two Telugu state governments. It is imperative for the governments to resolve this matter to ensure certainty for the employees and deliver justice.
