The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed the Haryana government’s order suspending four doctors for failing to improve the sex ratio.The order dated May 18, issued by ACS Health and Family Welfare, Dr Sumita Misra, had suspended Dr. Tina Anand, Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at Community Health Centre (CHC), Purkhas in Sonepat; Dr. Vijay Parmar, SMO at CHC Radaur in Yamunanagar; Dr. Satpal, SMO at CHC Chiri in Rohtak; and Dr. Prabha, Medical Officer at CHC Sehlang in Narnaul.The reason cited in the suspension order was “poor performance and failure to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of measures relating to improvement of sex ratio”. Disciplinary proceedings under Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 2016, were also initiated against the doctors.In the High Court, they contended through their counsel that if proceedings under Rule 7 of the 2016 Rules are initiated solely on the basis of data, there is every likelihood of false implications and of fabricated cases being registered under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act.It was further submitted that the action by the Haryana government was arbitrary and had been taken with a predetermined mind, without proper consideration of the material available on record and the settled legal position governing the issue.“Till the next date of hearing, further proceedings pursuant to the suspension order dated May 18, 2026, against the petitioners shall remain stayed,” said the high court order.The bench of Justice Sandeep Moudgil issued the notice to the state government for reply and posted the matter for October 27.The court further ordered that, in light of the stay granted, Dr Satpal be permitted to join back at his original place of posting.Earlier, the HC had stayed a similar order issued by the Health Department on December 8, 2025, against Dr Tarun Singla as well. He was placed under suspension and disciplinary proceedings under Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 2016, were ordered to be initiated against him on the ground of lack of improvement in the sex ratio in the areas falling under the control of his CHC.Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) President Dr Anil Yadav said, “Doctors cannot be held responsible for the poor sex ratio in their area. There are various factors behind it. Society’s mindset needs to change. The Hon’ble High Court has passed a welcome decision granting a stay against penal action for a low sex ratio.”