The Rajasthan High Court has refused to provide relief to a medical officer accused of dereliction of duty by submitting an inaccurate injury report. The Court deemed this conduct highly despicable and upheld the officer’s compulsory retirement, stating that such a punishment was not disproportionate.
Case Overview
Justice Mahendra Kumar Goyal presided over the case involving a medical officer who faced charges under the Rajasthan Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1958. The officer was accused of providing incorrect information in an injury report after a medical examination. The departmental inquiry found him guilty, and the disciplinary authority decided on compulsory retirement with proportionate pension. The officer petitioned for a lighter punishment.
Arguments and Findings
The petitioner’s counsel argued that the variations in injury measurements were due to the officer’s naked-eye assessment. However, the Court rejected this argument, noting significant discrepancies between the petitioner’s report and the medical board’s findings. For instance, an injury noted as 3 centimeters by the petitioner was measured as 11.25 centimeters by the medical board. Another injury recorded as 2 centimeters by the petitioner was found to be 3.75 centimeters by the medical board.
Court’s Judgment
The Court highlighted the critical importance of accurate medico-legal reports in ensuring just and fair case outcomes. It emphasized that submitting false reports constitutes a severe interference with the administration of justice. Consequently, the Court concluded that the petitioner’s conduct warranted the compulsory retirement punishment and dismissed the petition.
Title: Dr. K C Chaudhary v State of Rajasthan & Ors.