Kerala HC directs to appoint veterinary doctors in Lakshadweep on emergency basis

Kochi: The Kerala High Court issued an order to appoint veterinary doctors in all the islands of Lakshadweep on an emergency basis. The division bench consisting of Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Shaji Shaji P Chaly declared the order over the public interest litigation filed by Kalpeni island native Abdul Kabeer. The petition was submitted to raise the complaint that the animals and birds of the island are denied treatment after the dismissal of veterinary doctors from the island.   

The doctors who were employed on a contract basis at the Lakshadweep islands were dismissed on September 23, 2021. The petition pointed out that nine among the ten islands of Lakshadweep do not have the services of veterinary doctors. Currently, the service of veterinary doctors is available only in Kavaratti. 

The Central government had claimed mobile veterinary units would be set up in the islands with the service of many doctors including nine veterinary surgeons. However, the court noted that the Centre has not fulfilled its promise in Lakshadweep. 

The high court also observed that the decision to appoint veterinary doctors permanently in the islands has been challenged by the Central Administrative Tribunal. 

Though the court has declared to appoint veterinary doctors in all islands, the appointment procedures may consume time. Hence, the court directed to examine the possibility of ensuring the service of veterinary doctors in Kavaratti in other islands for the time being or avail aid from the NGOs here.