Notice to AIIMS director over ex-PRO's issue

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notices to AIIMS and its director Dr P Venugopal on a petition alleging the hospital authorities of illegally withholding former Chief Protocol and Public Relation Officer's belongings, including his passport and cheque books.

Issuing notice to AIIMS through its president (the Health Minister) and the director, Justice Hima Kohli asked them to file their replies by September 19.

In the petition, former Chief Protocol and Public Relation Officer, B K Dash sought an enquiry against the AIIMS management for illegally sealing all his belongings since February 2007.

He alleged the institute, earlier in October, 2002, had also taken away his belongings from his office in his absence.

Dash also sought direction to the AIIMS to allow him to discharge his duties as Consultant, Protocol and PR Officer with it for a year's term.

After Dash got retired in February this year, the Union Health Ministry had appointed him as the Consultant, however, he was allegedly not been allowed by the director to function in the institute.