Delhi Health Services chief Dr Vatsala Aggarwal gets relief from CAT after challenging her transfer; Delhi Government moves High Court against interim stay.
New Delhi: In a significant development, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has stayed the Delhi Government’s order transferring Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal from the post of Director General of Health Services (DGHS), providing temporary relief to the senior health official who challenged the move as arbitrary and unjustified.
Dr. Aggarwal was transferred by the Delhi Government on May 21, 2026, and placed under “awaiting posting” status until further orders. Following her transfer, the Medical Superintendent of Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital (JPCH) was assigned additional charge of the Director, Health Services, under existing administrative arrangements.
CAT Finds Prima Facie Case in Doctor’s Plea
While hearing Dr. Aggarwal’s petition, the CAT observed that she had established a “prima facie case” and noted that irreparable prejudice could be caused if the transfer order remained in effect during the pendency of the matter.
The tribunal also noted that the Delhi Government sought additional time to submit detailed instructions regarding the transfer. As a result, CAT granted interim relief and stayed the transfer order.
Transfer Allegedly Linked to Vigilance Inspection
According to the petition filed by Dr. Aggarwal, the transfer was allegedly linked to a recent vigilance inspection conducted within the health department. The plea stated that vigilance officials sought procurement-related records concerning medicines, surgical supplies, and medical equipment on May 18 and 19.
The application further claimed that Dr. Aggarwal fully cooperated with the vigilance team, provided all available documents, and even requested duplicate “shadow files” to ensure uninterrupted patient care and procurement processes.
Her counsel argued that despite this cooperation, she was abruptly removed from her position just days after the inspection exercise.
No Disciplinary Action in Over 30 Years of Service
The petition highlighted that no disciplinary proceedings, vigilance inquiry, or adverse service record had ever been initiated against Dr. Aggarwal throughout her more than three decades of government service.
It was also argued that the transfer violated the Delhi Health Services transfer policy as she was shifted without being assigned any substantive posting.
Delhi Medical Council Elections Cited in Petition
Dr. Aggarwal’s plea further pointed out that she was overseeing the Delhi Medical Council elections scheduled for May 31, 2026. The petition contended that her sudden removal immediately before the polls reflected “non-application of mind” on the part of the authorities.
CAT Refers to Supreme Court Observations on Transfers
During the proceedings, the tribunal referred to Supreme Court observations that transfers cannot be used “in lieu of punishment” and that transfers allegedly carried out with mala fide intent are open to judicial scrutiny and intervention.
These observations formed an important part of the tribunal’s consideration while granting interim protection to Dr. Aggarwal.
Delhi Government Moves High Court Against CAT Order
Meanwhile, the Delhi Government has challenged the CAT’s interim order before the Delhi High Court. According to an official aware of the matter, the government’s petition is listed for hearing on Monday.
During the latest hearing, CAT adjourned the case until July 10, 2026, and ordered that the interim stay on Dr. Aggarwal’s transfer would continue until further proceedings.
The matter is now expected to witness further legal developments as both the CAT and Delhi High Court examine the circumstances surrounding the transfer of one of the capital’s senior-most health administrators.
