‘Suspended director of Delhi health dept to be reinstated’

The Delhi government will reinstate Dr. Vandana Bagga as health director, following a CAT ruling. The process is pending approval from the lieutenant governor.

Published on: May 30, 2026, 04:00:04 IST

By Ridhima Gupta, New Delhi

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The Delhi government told the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) that it would reinstate Dr Vandana Bagga, who was suspended as the director of Delhi’s health and family department shortly after the Delhi elections were announced in January last year, her lawyer said on Friday.

‘Suspended director of Delhi health dept to be reinstated’

CAT had earlier quashed the suspension as a violation of the model code of conduct that was in effect at the time. But, challenging a Delhi High Court stay on the CAT order on an appeal by the government, Bagga had moved the Supreme Court, which ruled in her favour. She subsequently filed an application at tribunal seeking execution of the SC order.

Bagga’s lawyer, Abhijit Mishra told HT that, during a hearing on Friday, “The government of NCT of Delhi, through deputy secretary of department of Health and Family Welfare, GNCTD, has made a statement before CAT that the file for reinstatement of Dr Vandana Bagga as director DFW is with the lieutenant governor (LG) and within a week the compliance of the order dated December, 4, 2025 of the CAT would be met.”

Health minister Pankaj Singh said, “Currently we are waiting for the court’s order, following which necessary action will be taken on the matter.”

On January 7 last year, former lieutenant governor (LG) VK Saxena had ordered the suspension of Bagga on the recommendation of the then health secretary, who said she had become a “stumbling block” for every scheme of the department.

Additionally, the CAT on Wednesday stayed an order passed by the LG’s office to transfer Dr Vatsala Aggarwal from the post of Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Delhi, and replace her with the medical superintendent of Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital.

“The interim order that was passed by the CAT has been challenged by the government in the Delhi HC, which is listed for Monday. Further, the CAT in today’s hearing adjourned the matter for July 10 and stated that the interim order will be continued,” said an official from the Delhi government aware of the matter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ridhima Gupta
Ridhima Gupta is a Principal Correspondent at Hindustan Times, where she covers healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and public health policy. Her reporting centers on Delhi’s major hospitals (AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lok Nayak), the state health department, and emerging medical trends. Ridhima is particularly interested in reporting on healthcare issues through the lens of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Her work often explores the intersection of healthcare and public policy, examining how these factors shape access health care. Based in New Delhi, many of her reports have led to direct government action over the years, in different city. Earlier this year, she completed a media training workshop on the Impact of Extreme Heat on Health, organised by the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), further strengthening her interest in reporting on the intersection of climate change and public health. A postgraduate from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Ridhima has around a decade of experience in journalism. She began her career as a trainee television reporter with Mirror Now in Mumbai and has since worked across multiple cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi, contributing to both print and broadcast newsrooms. She is a recipient of the Laadli Media Fellowship (2022) for her reporting on education, disability, and women’s issues. Before joining Hindustan Times, Ridhima worked with The Times of India, New Indian Express and News18. A native of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Ridhima completed her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology. And when she is not working as a journalist she likes to paint and go on nature hikes.Read More

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