AIIMS: SC notices to Centre, Venugopal

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre and AIIMS Director P Venugopal on a cross appeal filed by them against the Delhi High Court judgement relating to continuance of Venugopal as director of the institute.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan sought the reply as both AIIMS and Venugopal filed their appeals against the High Court order.

Venugopal has contended that Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss was not competent to continue as member of AIIMS.

AIIMS, in its appeal, has challenged the High Court order which says that the institute has to seek prior approval of the Centre before removing him and then giving a two week notice.

AIIMS has further said that since High Court has held that the Director constitutes an employee of the institute, there should be an upper age of 62 years applicable on him for retirement.