Thrissur (Kerala) | Minister K Muraleedharan on Thursday said the state government would challenge the Kerala Administrative Tribunal's decision staying the transfer of Director of Health Services K J Reena.

He was responding to reporters after reports emerged that the tribunal had stayed the government's order transferring Reena from the post of director of health services.

Reena was transferred and posted as director of Public Health Laboratory, with the state government maintaining that her tenure as director of health services had ended.

Muraleedharan had earlier said action was taken over a series of decisions made by Reena as director of health services, including a letter sent to the Travancore Devaswom Board, stating that doctors would not be deputed for medical duties during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season.

Responding to a query on the Kerala Administrative Tribunal's decision, the minister said: "Such developments happen in government matters. There are higher courts. If a sessions court awards a death sentence, does it get implemented immediately? There are the High Court and the Supreme Court above it."

Indicating his differences with Reena, Muraleedharan asserted that she would not be allowed to continue in the post of director of health services.

"One thing is clear. Any official who does not obey the government will not remain in that post as long as K Muraleedharan is here," he said.

The minister also referred to the case involving former State Police Chief T P Senkumar, asking whether former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had resigned after a court ruled in Senkumar's favour following his removal from the post.

"This is not a setback. There are higher courts," he said.

Muraleedharan said he was known for making quick decisions.

"As long as I am in office, quick decisions will be taken whenever necessary. Those who create obstacles will not be allowed to continue in their posts," he said.

He added that the government's stand on Reena's actions would be explained before the higher courts.

Referring to the Enforcement Directorate's searches at private hospitals in connection with a probe into forged documents allegedly used by a racket facilitating illegal organ donations, the Minister said the investigation should proceed.

"Let the raids continue. Once we receive the report, strict action will be taken," he said.

Regarding the ongoing protest by nurses demanding a wage hike, Muraleedharan said the issue was being considered by the government.

"We have placed certain proposals before private hospital managements. A decision will be taken within a month," he said.