3 min readNew DelhiJun 18, 2025 10:06 AM IST
First published on: Jun 17, 2025 at 10:50 PM IST
L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday ordered the dissolution of the Delhi Medical Council (DMC) over alleged irregularities and abuse of powers and asked the Health Department to initiate the process for its reconstitution.
In an order passed by the L-G, he said the Health Department pointed out how the council “unilaterally extended the retirement age of DMC Registrar Dr Girish Tyagi from 60 years to 65 years without approval from the state government” and then extended his term by a year with effect from December 2024.
“Additionally, in response to the show cause notice dated 06.02.2025, the DMC merely stated that Dr Tyagi resigned with immediate effect but did not address the unauthorised extension, which resulted in Dr Tyagi serving over five years beyond the normal retirement age,” the L-G said in his order.
He said it is apparent from the state health department’s note that the DMC exceeded and abused the powers granted to it by the Delhi Medical Council Act, 1997. “Accordingly, I concur with the proposal of the Health Department for dissolution of Delhi Medical Council as approved by the Hon’ble Chief Minister,” said the L-G.
Responding to the allegations, Dr Tyagi said the matter related to his tenure extension is pending in court. “The matter is sub-judice. I had taken permission from the Delhi government for extending my tenure,” he said.
Dr Tyagi joined DMC as deputy registrar in June 2007 and later became registrar in July 2008. Initially due to retire at the age of 60 in November 2019, a DMC amendment in February 2019 extended his retirement age to 65. After he turned 65 on November 3, the council approved on November 11 an additional year’s extension from December 1, 2024.
The DMC is a statutory body constituted in September 1998 by the state government and is vested with powers, duties, and functions to regulate the practice of the modern scientific system of medicine in the city. It maintains a live register and provides registration to medical practitioners. It also hears and decides appeals against any decision of the Registrar and prescribes a code of ethics for regulating the professional conduct of practitioners.
The L-G has also ordered that two ex-officio members of the DMC may continue in the Council, and the Directorate General of Health Services may be assigned the Registrar’s responsibilities for the intervening period.
“The Health Department may be directed to initiate the process for the reconstitution of the Delhi Medical Council following provisions of the Act, ensuring that the entire process is completed in two months,” he said.
In February, the Delhi government had threatened to dissolve the Council if it failed to address “systemic irregularities” in its functioning, particularly giving an extended tenure to its Registrar beyond the age of 65 years.
In March, the health department wrote to the DMC, seeking details on several allegations raised against its president, Dr Arun Gupta, vice-president, Dr Naresh Chawla, and registrar, Dr Tyagi, including financial misconduct and illegal continuation in office.
The deputy secretary (council) of the health department issued the letter after a complaint from Northwest Delhi MP Yogender Chandoliya, who alleged that Dr Tyagi continued as DMC Registrar beyond his legal term without proper authorisation. The letter also alleged Dr Tyagi had been receiving salary and withdrawing funds despite his term expiring.
L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena 
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