Thiruvananthapuram: Amid continuing controversy and protests over her transfer, former director of health services (DHS), Dr K J Reena, on Wednesday assumed charge as director of Ernakulam Public Health Laboratory after the high court vacated a stay order issued by the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT).Reena formally took charge while recording her protest in the joining report, stating that she would continue her legal battle before KAT against the transfer order.HC cited procedural lapses in KAT’s order and upheld the govt’s decision to transfer her.The state govt transferred Reena from the post of DHS on June 12. Dr Meenakshi assumed charge as DHS the following day. On June 18, however, KAT stayed Dr Reena’s transfer order.The govt challenged KAT’s decision, arguing that it was improper to stay a transfer after the newly appointed official had already taken charge. HC suspended KAT’s order, accepting this contention.HC also observed that if Reena had grievances regarding her transfer, she was free to approach KAT again. It directed KAT to consider the matter afresh after hearing detailed arguments from all parties.Reena’s transfer sparked controversy in recent weeks, coming in the wake of reported differences between her and health minister.
