Patna HC Directs ASHA Worker To Take Rival’s Selection Challenge To Collector For A Hearing And Decision Within 10 Weeks of Her Representation

The petitioner challenged Letter No. 184 dated 11 May 2026, by which respondent no. 11 was selected as an ASHA worker for Ward No. 4, Riga, Sitamarhi

She alleged irregularities in the selection process, including that her candidature was not considered despite her work as an ASHA worker in the ward, and that the Mukhiya improperly influenced the process

The State and State Health Society submitted that the allegations against the stakeholders required examination by the competent authority

The judgment does not identify or apply any specific statute, regulation, or precedent. It refers generally to guidelines governing the selection or engagement of ASHA workers, without specifying their provisions

The Court proceeded on the basis that the District Magistrate-cum-Collector, Sitamarhi, was the competent authority to examine the petitioner’s grievance and could do so after considering the records and hearing the stakeholders

Given the allegations of irregularity and improper influence, and the State’s submission that the matter required inquiry, the Court considered it appropriate for the competent administrative authority to examine the grievance rather than determine the disputed allegations in the writ petition

It therefore directed the petitioner to submit a detailed representation with supporting documents and a copy of the order, leaving the merits of the selection dispute for consideration by the District Magistrate

On receiving it, the District Magistrate was expected to notify the stakeholders, examine the records, hear the parties, and pass a final order within a further ten weeks