Shimla, June 20 -- "The public interest in retaining manpower cannot override the individual's right to professional advancement," ruled Himachal Pradesh high court (HC), while directing state government to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to a doctor for pursuing a super specialty course.

Disposing of petition filed by Dr Pankaj Sharma, who challenged the rejection of his request for an NOC to pursue a DNB SS Medical Oncology course under the All India Quota, justice Sandeep Sharma quoted order of division bench from another petition: "Doctors are not slaves and cannot be compelled to serve against their wishes if they are willing to forfeit bond money."

Advocate general Anup Rattan had argued that the state was facing an acute s...