The Supreme Court has issued a contempt notice to the Acting Director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. This action comes after the court expressed shock over the failure to comply with its directive for the institution’s head to personally provide an explanation in a pending matter regarding a DNA test report.
The Court took strong exception to an affidavit filed by a Deputy Secretary of AIIMS instead of the Director, despite a specific order requiring the Director to submit the explanation. The apex court emphasized that it had requested the Director’s explanation and not that of any other individual.
During the hearing, it was revealed that there is currently no permanent Director at AIIMS, New Delhi, with the previous Director having left office a few weeks earlier. The Court rejected this explanation, stating that anyone holding a post, whether in a substantive or acting capacity, must take responsibility and fulfill the duties of that position.
The Supreme Court impleaded Dr. Nikhil Tandon, the Acting Director of AIIMS, New Delhi, as a party respondent in the contempt proceedings. The Acting Director has been summoned to appear in person with his explanation on the next listing date, which is set for July 7, 2026, at noon.
