Imphal, March 12: The medical superintendent of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Y. Mohen Singh, has refused to hand over charge to his newly appointed successor H. Shanti Singh after retirement.

Mohen was to retire on February 28 on completion of 62 years. Before the retirement date, Mohen had moved the Union health ministry seeking enhancement of the retirement age of superintendents to 65. However, the request was turned down by the health ministry.

Following a directive from the Union home ministry, director of the institute S. Shekharjit appointed H. Shanti Singh with effect from March 1.

Mohen moved the Imphal bench of Gauhati High Court against the Centre’s decision. The court, in an interim order, directed the institute not to give effect to the rejection letter until further orders were issued.

Mohen continues to occupy the office of medical superintendent and also refuses to hand over the charge to Shanti.

The director said he had appointed the new superintendent following the directives from the Centre.

“The director, Dr S. Sekharjit has self-assumed the charge and the same was handed over to the newly appointed medical superintendent in-charge, Dr H. Shanti,” media advisor of RIMS Iboyaima Laithangbam said today, quoting the director.

Mohen said he would not mind returning to his parentpathology department if the authorities could create a post for his return.

A professor, who is junior to Mohen, now heads the pathology department and Mohen is unwilling to work under the junior official.