Junior Doctors Association calls off strike after intervention by Madhya Pradesh High Court

The Junior Doctors Association of Madhya Pradesh (JUDA) informed the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday that they are calling off the strike as they have arrived at a consensus with the State Government. (Shailendra Singh Vs. State of M.P)

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq and Justice Sujoy Paul was told by Siddharth R Gupta, the counsel representing JUDA, that pursuant to the discussions held in the last couple of days, the association has agreed to call off the strike.

Gupta, however, requested the Court to direct the State for withdrawing all prejudicial and adverse show-cause notices issued to the office bearers of the JUDA, MP with immediate effect, in view of the strike being called off.

Accordingly, the Court asked Advocate General Pururshaindra Kaurav to withdraw all prejudicial actions instituted against JUDA's office bearers.

The Court then proceeded to post the case for hearing on June 9 when the Advocate General has to seek instructions and inform the Court about the stance of the State on prayer made by JUDA for withdrawal of show-cause notices.

The Court also urged the Advocate General to put an end to the whole dispute on an amicable and cordial note instead of letting the controversy precipitate.

The High Court had, on June 3, declared the strike by JUDA in the State as illegal, and had directed the doctors to immediately resume their duties.

The order was passed in a petition praying that action be taken against the members of JUDA, who by going on strike, were guilty of contempt of the High Court's previous orders barring medical officers attached to government hospitals and medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh from proceeding on strike.

In its order, a Bench of Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq and Justice Sujoy Paul had remarked,

"All doctors have a solemn duty towards humanity. This duty binds them to serve the citizens suffering from any kind of disease. In the present scenario, this duty requires them to join hands with all fellow citizen in fight against the ongoing pandemic of Coronavirus."

Pursuant to the order, JUDA had held talks with the State government.

[Read order]