Earlier, the Government of India had on June 8, 2011 extended the appointment of Dr Surinder Singh as DCGI until 31. 3. 2012. The DCGI’s deputation tenure was to expire on June 21, this year.
A public interest litigation (WP 15607/2011) against the appointment of DCGI and the extension was filed by T K Ramalingasamy, a former regulatory officer of the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department. Advocate P T Asha from Sarvbhouman Associates, appeared on behalf of the petitioner. She quoted the reference of a government order (GO) passed by the central government that the period of deputation of a government servant should not exceed beyond five years. She said Dr Singh has already completed five years on deputation.
Additional Solicitor General of India, Mohan Parasaran, who appeared on behalf of the Government assured the court that Government would speed up the process of recruiting a new DCGI.
