Shifting of RGUHS: HC issues contempt notice to state

The Karnataka High Court has issued a notice to Principal Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, while hearing a petition seeking directions for initiation of contempt proceedings against the state government for defying court orders.

The court had passed an interim order on March 14, 2018, directing the state government and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) to maintain status quo with regard to shifting of the varsity to Ramanagara from the city. The order came while hearing a petition filed by institutes affiliated to RGUHS that had contended that the government’s move was with the “sole intent and objective to gain wrongfully from the funds of the university.”

The court had further stated that if a portion of the administrative blocks of the university has already shifted from Bangalore to Ramanagara, before passing of this order that status need not be altered or reversed. However, it said no further shifting or new construction may take place at Ramanagara out of the funds of the respondent RGUHS, without the specific permission obtained from the court.

In the contempt petition, the petitioners said the accused have harassed the university by directing it to deposit huge sums of money towards the shifting despite being aware of the interim order. They said the government has also issued directions for shifting university to Ramanagara district, immediately.

The court adjourned the hearing of the case.