Vs. ********** Present : LISA GILL, CJ: Prayer in this writ petition is as under: “..issue a Writ Order or Direction more particularly one in the nature of a Writ of Mandamus a) direct the Respondent authorities to ensure the uninterrupted departments ICUs critical care units trauma services maternity and obstetric services NICU PICU dialysis services operation theatres blood banks and other essential and time sensitive medical services and to maintain an effective contingency and alternative staffing mechanism so that patients are not compelled to suffer on account of any dispute between Government medical personnel and the Government functioning of emergency; b) direct the competent authorities to take such action as may be permissible under the Andhra Pradesh Essential Services Maintenance Act 1971 wherever the statutory conditions are satisfied against persons found after IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI WP(PIL) NO: 193 of 2026 [3584 ] Guduri Venkata Ravindra Kumar ...Petitioner APHC010446122026 The State Of Andhra Pradesh and Others ...Respondent(s) CORAM : THE CHIEF JUSTICE LISA GILL SRI JUSTICE CHALLA GUNARANJAN DATE : 25th August 2026 Advocate for Petitioner: Mr. Tagore Yadav Yaragorla Advocate(s) for Respondent(s): Mr. Dammalapati Srinivas, learned Advocate General; Mr. C. Upendra representing Ms. T. V. Sridevi, SC for Dr. NTRUHS ; GP for Medical & Health - R1 to R12 Mr. Bhooma Maharshi Reddy – R13 2 HCJ & CGR, J WP(PIL)_193_2026 following due process of law to have engaged in prohibited strike activity unauthorised absence neglect of duty disobedience of lawful directions or other misconduct affecting essential medical services provided that any such action shall be individualized, proportionate and strictly in accordance with law; c) direct the Government of Andhra Pradesh to constitute or designate a time bound grievance redressal mechanism for junior doctors concerning stipend revision, workload, working conditions and other service related grievances and to prescribe a reasonable procedure and time frame for the consideration of and communication of decisions upon such representations so that genuine grievances may be resolved institutionally without resort to the disruption of patient care services d) direct the Respondent authorities to formulate and implement a permanent Medical Services Continuity and Emergency Contingency Protocol applicable to Government hospitals and Government teaching hospitals throughout the State of Andhra Pradesh providing for minimum essential staffing alternative deployment emergency referral ambulance support critical care continuity and the availability of medicines oxygen blood and other essential medical resources whenever any strike boycott mass absence or similar disruption is apprehended e) direct the Respondent authorities to place before this Hon’ble Court if so required a status report setting out the steps taken to ensure uninterrupted patient care the contingency arrangements made in Government hospitals the present position of the stipend negotiations with the junior doctors and the mechanism established for resolving the underlying grievance so that this Hon’ble Court may be satisfied that the constitutional rights of patients are being effectively protected and f) Consequentially declare that the action of Respondent No 13 and its members insofar as it involves the withdrawal boycott or disruption of emergency critical care and other lifesaving medical services is illegal arbitrary and contrary to the fundamental right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India..” 2. Learned counsel for respondent No.13 – the Andhra Pradesh Junior Doctors Association, on instructions, submits that members of Association shall call off the call given for suspension of work keeping in view the noble profession that they have chosen to pursue. However, it is submitted that genuine demands raised by members through its Association are not being looked into by respondent - State. 3. Learned Advocate General submits that concerns as raised by Association are being looked into actively. A Committee has been formed to consider the aspect regarding stipend to be released to interns, PG resident 3 HCJ & CGR, J WP(PIL)_193_2026 JRs. 10% raise has been offered for interns and for others i.e., PG, Super- Specialty, Senior Residents, increase offered is 3%. In respect to other concerns as raised by Association as reflected in various representations which are attached with present writ petition as well, matter shall be examined in all earnestness and a definite decision shall be taken within a period of two weeks from today. 4. Keeping in view facts and circumstances as well as extremely fair stand taken by respondent Association, there is no justification for continuation of present proceedings. Respondent State is directed to consider the representations submitted by AP Junior Doctors Association and take necessary decision, as stated before us, on the demands as raised, within a period of two weeks from today. There is no expression of opinion on merits of the matter. 5. Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. Pending miscellaneous applications, if any, including I.A. No. 5 of 2026, shall stand closed. LISA GILL, CJ CHALLA GUNARANJAN, J akn Whether the order is Speaking/Reasoned : Yes / No Whether the order is Reportable : Yes / No 4 HCJ & CGR, J WP(PIL)_193_2026 HON’BLE MRS.JUSTICE LISA GILL, CHIEF JUSTICE & HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE CHALLA GUNARANJAN Writ Petition (PIL) No:193 of 2026 DATE : 25.08.2026 AKN 27