Media Release

Udupi, Aug 8: Senior ophthalmologist of the Udupi District Government Hospital, Dr Nityananda Nayak, formally assumed charge as the new District Surgeon (DS) on Friday, August 8.

The post had been mired in controversy for months due to the refusal of the previous incumbent, Dr H Ashok, to vacate the position despite multiple government transfer orders. The state government had issued transfer orders in January 2025 and again in February 2025, but Dr Ashok remained in office. Following the second order, he had approached the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT) seeking a stay on the transfer. On July 23, KAT dismissed his petition, clearing the way for the transfer.

Even after the tribunal’s dismissal, Dr Ashok did not relinquish charge. The stalemate ended when the government, for the third time, issued a strict transfer order and directed Dr Ashok to report to the Commissionerate of the Department of Health and Family Welfare without assigning him a new post.