The Kerala High Court on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) upheld the government order (GO) transferring K.J. Reena from the post of the Director of Health Services (DHS).

It thus dismissed an interim stay of two weeks awarded last week by the Principal Bench of the Kerala Administrative Tribunal (KAT) on her transfer. The stay had been awarded after she approached the KAT, challenging her removal from the post of the DHS.

The State government then approached the High Court, challenging the interim stay by the KAT. In its plea, the government contended that the GO was in keeping with norms, especially since the tenure of Dr. Reena’s deputation as the DHS had expired in February, 2026. Moreover, she was transferred and posted at the Regional Public Health Laboratory in Ernakulam as Director—a post that was upgraded to accommodate her. In addition, a new person had been appointed as the DHS, the government submitted.

During the course of the hearing on Tuesday, the court upheld the GO transferring her and further took note that a new person (Meenakshy V., Additional Director of Health Services (Family Welfare)) has been given the additional charge of the DHS.