HC pulls up RIMS over delay in appointments, equipment procurement, building repairs

The Jharkhand High Court on Thursday expressed strong displeasure over the delay in filling vacant posts, procuring essential medical equipment, and repairing dilapidated buildings at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS).

Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) related to RIMS, a division bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar termed the affidavit filed by RIMS on July 21 as “unsatisfactory.” The court observed that despite granting extensions earlier, the institute had failed to complete several critical tasks within the stipulated time.

The bench directed the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department to file a personal affidavit explaining why crucial works such as appointments, procurement of medical equipment, and emergency repairs of unsafe buildings have not been completed so far. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 17.

The court noted that on February 18, 2026, it had granted RIMS an additional three to six months to complete various pending works after the institute sought more time. However, the affidavit submitted before the court indicated that most of these tasks remain unfinished.

According to the court records, RIMS had initially been given two months from October 10, 2025, to fill vacancies in the medical cadre but later sought a six-month extension. Similarly, the institute requested an extension from two months to three months for the appointment of senior residents and tutors.

For vacancies in Class III, nursing, and Class IV categories, the court had originally allowed two months, but RIMS sought an additional six months to complete the recruitment process.

The court also took note of delays in the procurement of medical machinery and equipment. While the original deadline was one month, RIMS had requested another six months, citing that the procurement process was still underway.

Regarding infrastructure, RIMS had informed the court that construction and renovation of its buildings would be carried out by the Jharkhand State Building Construction Corporation Limited. It had also sought to extend the deadline for emergency repairs of dilapidated buildings from four months to six months.

Seeking a detailed explanation from the Health Department, the High Court directed the state to clarify why the expected progress had not been achieved despite the repeated extensions granted by the court.

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