MP High Court Appoints Dr. VP Pandey As Interim Dean Of MGM Medical College Amid Seniority Row

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the immediate appointment of Dr VP Pandey as the in-charge dean of MGM Medical College. 

The decision came after allegations of his seniority being overlooked in recent dean’s appointments across the state's medical colleges. Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla, while hearing the case on Thursday, ruled that Dr Pandey would hold the position until the government makes a direct, regular appointment.

The controversy stems from February 2023, when the government appointed deans in 18 medical colleges through a direct recruitment process, allegedly favouring junior doctors over more senior candidates. Dr Pandey, a senior professor, challenged this in the High Court. The issue gained urgency after Dr Sanjay Dixit, the previous dean of MGM Medical College, retired on November 30. 

In the absence of a formal replacement, MY Hospital Superintendent Dr Ashok Yadav temporarily assumed the charge, a move criticized by the court. Questions were raised about how a junior doctor could oversee the confidential records of a senior. The High Court’s order has clarified that while Dr Pandey will serve as interim dean, the state government remains free to appoint a permanent replacement.