Greeva Garg–
Published on August 09, 2021, at 10:25 IST
The Uttar Pradesh Government informed the Allahabad High Court about the withdrawal of departmental re-inquiry order against Dr. Kafeel Khan.
The Vacation Bench is headed by Justice Yashwant Varma in connection with the 2017 Gorakhpur tragedy.
The High Court was also informed by the UP Government that endeavors to conclude further disciplinary proceedings against Khan will be made within the next three months.
Justice Yashwant Varma stated in the order that “From those instructions, it is pointed out by Sri Goyal that the order of 24 February 2020 impugned in this petition has been withdrawn, subject to liberty being reserved for the respondents to proceed in the matter afresh and in light of what was noted by the court in its previous order. It was further submitted that all endeavor shall be made to conclude the disciplinary proceedings within three months.”
The observation by the Bench was made while hearing the petition filed by Khan, challenging his unjustified suspension and re-inquiry order.
The High Court sought for Government’s response to justify the reason behind the continuing suspension order against Kafeel for over four years.
Kafeel Khan was suspended after the BRD oxygen tragedy in Gorakhpur, where over 60 children died. Kafeel was alleged for negligence and culpable homicide.
The Allahabad High Court granted bail to Kafeel Khan in February 2020. Before being released, the provisions of the National Security Act (NSA) were invoked by the authorities, resulting in the continuation of his detention.
Later, the Allahabad High Court quashed the NSA detention upon the decision upheld by the Supreme Court.
The matter is listed for further hearing on 10th August.
Also Read: SC denies to intervene in Allahabad HC’s order of quashing NSA against Dr. Kafeel Khan