The Karnataka High Court Dharwad Circuit Bench on Friday stayed the State government’s order relieving Vasantha Kamat of the post of director of Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubli.
On a writ petition filed by Dr. Kamat challenging the government’s order, the single judge bench comprising Justice Arvind Kumar stayed the government order for two weeks and issued notice to the government asking it whether it wants to file objections.
The State government had issued orders relieving Dr. Kamat of the post of the director of KIMS on Wednesday citing the reason that she had attained the age of 60 and the government had amended rules not to keep any person attaining the age of 60 in the post of director of KIMS. Dr. Kamat was on leave when the order was issued.
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KIMS principal U.S. Hangaraga was asked to take over as in-charge director till further orders. Accordingly Dr. Hangarga assumed office as the in-charge director on Thursday.
Writ filed
Meanwhile, Dr. Vasantha Kamat filed a writ petition in the Karnataka High Court Circuit Bench in Dharwad challenging the government order. She contended that her appointment was for a period of three years and terminating her services prematurely was in violation of the rule.
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Senior counsel Rajgopal and advocate K. L. Patil represented Dr. Kamat in the case.