Wed Jan 22 15:48:24 UTC 2025: ## Kozhikode DMO Appointment Dispute Resolved
**Kozhikode, Kerala – January 23, 2025** – A protracted dispute over the appointment of the Kozhikode District Medical Officer (DMO) has finally concluded. The Kerala Health Department issued an order on Wednesday appointing Dr. Asha Devi, formerly the Ernakulam DMO, to the position.
The controversy began with the December transfer of several additional directors of health, some of whom also served as DMOs. The transfer of Dr. N. Rajendran, the then Kozhikode DMO, to Thiruvananthapuram, and the subsequent appointment of Dr. Devi sparked legal challenges. Officials contested the transfer procedure in the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) and the Kerala High Court, leading to a temporary stay on the transfer.
This resulted in a dramatic scene where both Dr. Rajendran, who refused to relinquish his post citing the KAT stay, and Dr. Devi occupied the DMO’s office simultaneously. While the government reissued its transfer order, the High Court intervened, ordering a month-long status quo to hear arguments from all affected parties.
Following this hearing, the Health Department issued a final order confirming Dr. Rajendran’s transfer to Thiruvananthapuram and Dr. Devi’s appointment as the Kozhikode DMO. The matter is now officially resolved.
First Piper 