Dismissal of PIL Seeking Investigation against KGMU Vice-Chancellor by Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court rejects PIL demanding probe into KGMU Vice-Chancellor Lt. Gen. Dr Bipin Puri (Retd.)

In a recent ruling, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Shrikant Singh, which sought an investigation against King George’s Medical University (KGMU) Vice-Chancellor, Lt. Gen. Dr Bipin Puri (Retd.). The PIL, filed under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution, alleged irregularities in the appointments made within the university.

The bench, consisting of Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Om Prakash Shukla, examined the contentions presented in the petition and accompanying documents. It was revealed that the petitioner, apart from identifying as a social worker and whistleblower, provided minimal information about his credentials. The petitioner’s affidavit primarily mentioned complaints against the Vice-Chancellor, regarding alleged irregularities and financial losses.

The court, referring to a previous Division Bench judgment, found the petitioner’s credentials unsatisfactory and dismissed the PIL. The court emphasized that the scope of a Public Interest Litigation does not extend to seeking the annulment of specific appointments within a university. Additionally, the court cited a Supreme Court ruling stating that service-related matters are generally not maintainable through a Public Interest Litigation.

Overall, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court concluded that the petitioner’s claims did not warrant a thorough investigation, leading to the dismissal of the PIL.