Greeva Garg –
The Delhi High Court has appointed Former Justice GS Sistani as an observer to perceptualize process for the Elections of Vice President of Dental Council of India.
A vacation bench headed by Justice Amit Bansal ordered that, “To carry out the process of holding of election in a smooth manner, I appoint Justice G.S. Sistani, retired judge of this Court, as an observer. Justice G.S. Sistani will consult with the secretary and the members of the Executive Committee of the respondent no.2 council to carry out the modalities of the election process, including but not limited to holding elections virtually and the notices to be sent to the members of the council and will oversee the conduct of elections.”
Formerly, the Vice President of the Council had resigned on May 3. Subsequent to it, Dr. Ashok Khandelwal was appointed to discharge his functions as President with immediate effect till elections take place.
The Order by the Court furthered with the plea challenging the Centre’s Order on 11th May, 2021, directed Dr. Ashok Khandelwal to discharge functions of the President of the Dental Council of India with immediate effect.
The Bench asked for the conduction of elections for Vice President of Council from respondents. The Court was informed that, as per the Regulations of the Dental Council of India, 1956, elections have to await 40 days’ notice period and cannot be conducted anytime soon.
The Additional Solicitor General of India submitted that in the situation where offices of both President and Vice President of Council are vacant, the government had to issue necessary orders.
“Accordingly, I direct the respondents to forthwith hold elections for the post of Vice President, as per procedure prescribed in the Act and the Regulation.” The Court directed, and appointed Former Justice GS Sistani as the Observer in the Election process