Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
In connection with ongoing departmental inquiries over irregularities in the procurement of medicines and equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic—specifically, violations of procurement guidelines—the Aurangabad Bench of the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT) has refused to grant a stay on the suspension of Beed’s District Civil Surgeon, Dr Ashok Thorat. The tribunal emphasized that the respondents must be given a chance to file their replies before making any decision.
Judicial Member A N Karmarkar of MAT issued notices to the government and other concerned parties, setting the final hearing of the original petition for May 2, 2025.
What is the original petition?
Due to alleged serious irregularities in the purchase of medicines, equipment, and other materials by Beed District Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government initiated a departmental inquiry and suspended Dr Thorat on April 4, 2025. Through Adv Avinash Deshmukh, Dr. Thorat filed an original application with the MAT seeking a stay on his suspension.
In his petition, it is argued that the District Collector was the chairperson of the COVID-era procurement committee. Following a preliminary investigation, the government ordered a departmental inquiry against 12 officers and staff members, out of which one has passed away and another has retired. Of the remaining 10, four are still serving in Beed, yet only Dr. Thorat has been suspended — allegedly due to political pressure, argued Adv Deshmukh.
Arguments by the Presenting Officer
Presenting Officer Mahesh Bharaswadkar countered these claims, saying that as per Maharashtra Civil Services Rules, Dr Thorat filed an original petition directly in MAT without first filing an appeal — which is procedurally incorrect. The alleged misconduct occurred during his tenure, and his suspension is to ensure an unbiased departmental inquiry, not due to political influence. A two-month timeframe has been set to complete the inquiry, and an officer has already been appointed for this purpose. Bharswadkar emphasized that public representatives have the right to raise concerns in the public interest, and dismissing the suspension as politically motivated is baseless. He urged the tribunal to reject the petition.