Karna HC asks govt to take stern action against striking docs

The Karnataka High Court on Monday directed the government to take stern action against striking junior doctors and restore normal functioning of hospitals with immediate effect, taking suo motu cognizance of media reports of the strike as public interest litigation.

After hearing all the parties at his residence, a Division bench, headed by chief justice PD Dinakaran, observed that "it is highly unfortunate that junior doctors went on strike despite an earlier order not to do so, causing immense suffering to the public at large".

The bench came down heavily on the government for not initiating action against the doctors agitating for the past three days. It directed the government to take strigent action against them including suspension and cancellation of medical certificates issued by Medical Council of India and Karnataka Medical council and restore normal functioning of the hospitals with immediate effect.

Earlier the authorities in their submission stated that all the demands of the doctors had been met except hike in stipend.

Directing government authorities to file an affidavit on infrastructure facilities available in hospitals, the bench also directed the doctors' association to file an affidavit explaining the reasons for going on strike by Tuesday.

The court also issued notice to Medical Council of India and Karnataka Medical Council and adjourned hearing to Tuesday.