“PGI has been ruined because of the internal politics of a few doctors. These Class III and IV employees have created havoc in the PGI. These people have no respect for a good and renowned doctor, nor do they respect those who serve the society.” That was Justice Surya Kant, who made the observation before dismissing a petition that had challenged the extension granted to PGI Director Dr K K Talwar last year.

Justice Surya Kant said he knew well the intentions of the people behind moving the court against Dr Talwar.

As soon as advocate Dinesh Kumar stood up to argue the case filed by a former PGI employee, Sat Pal Bhardwaj, the judge smilingly asked: “What is the personal score this petitioner wants to settle?”

When Kumar submitted that the extension granted to Dr Talwar was unconstitutional, Justice Surya Kant questioned the motive behind filing the petition and refused to show any conviction in the stand taken by the petitioner. He observed: “Had this petitioner not been a retired employee, I would have imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 on him. He is a retired employee. What does he have to do with the director of PGI?”

As the advocate contended that the extension granted to Dr Talwar was not in accordance with provisions, the judge strongly deplored the conduct of certain “disgruntled elements” in hospitals. He averred: “Even if a provision comes in the way of a good doctor, I will strike down such a provision.”

Without naming anybody, Justice Surya Kant observed: “I know who is behind this petition. He thinks he is the dada of the union. He has a nasty mind.”

Referring to Dr Talwar, Justice Surya Kant remarked: “When you want a heart surgery to be done, you will need a good doctor. Otherwise, you will show no respect to him. Is he a good doctor or not?”

When the counsel submitted that there are more qualified doctors than Talwar in the hospital, the judge remarked: “Now you are coming out with the truth. On which doctor’s instance have you filed this petition?”

In his reply, Kumar said: “No, this is an independent petition. There are 18 vigilance cases pending against Dr Talwar. People have stopped going to the PGI, they prefer to go to Fortis and other private hospitals for better treatment.”

Showing little interest in the averment, Justice Surya Kant remarked: “It is just because of the internal politics of these doctors that PGI has lost its name.”