27 October 2009
NHS Employers may well consider that some doctors can be "difficult". Some may even believe that they have particularly difficult ones. However, spare a thought for the Employment Tribunal (ET) Judge who dealt with Dr Jeevan Mehta.
This case is currently being heard before the General Medical Council's Fitness to Practise Panel. The Panel is considering allegations that, amongst other matters, Dr Mehta shouted racist and other abuse at an ET Judge whilst hitting him with a chair.
Allegedly, the Doctor wished to "communicate" in this manner because he was unhappy with the way his case was proceeding. Dr Mehta's conduct was said to have been abusive, inappropriate, threatening and violent.
Dr Mehta denies the allegations and has asked for the chair that he allegedly hit the chairman with, to be produced in evidence. He also denies saying he was going to "***** kill the chairman", a Solicitor's witness testimony is that he did.
It will come as no surprise that Dr Mehta's ET case failed. His subsequent appeal to the Employment Appeals Tribunal was dismissed. For details of the latter appeal, please click here for a transcript of the case.
Comment
We are unable to discern whether Dr Mehta was charged with
assault or any other criminal offence arising out of allegedly
"chairing the chair". However, it is our opinion that such
"forceful advocacy" is not likely to succeed.
Hill Dickinson has a wealth of experience in dealing with the full
range of employment and pensions issues. If you have any queries
relating to the above, or any other legal matter, please do not
hesitate to contact us
for advice.
