Kolkata/IBNS: The Calcutta High Court on Monday dismissed the West Bengal Medical Council's order of suspending Trinamool Congress leader Dr. Santanu Sen over an alleged fake medical degree, media reports said.

Justice Amrita Sinha, who was hearing the case, said proper procedure was not followed by the council in suspending Sen.

The court said the council must have told Sen the reason behind his suspension.

Justice Sinha directed the council to send a report related to the probe to Sen, allow him to respond and then take a decision.

Sen was suspended last week for two years after he was found guilty of using a fake medical degree.

Allegations had long been swirling that Sen was using a foreign honorary degree—FRCP (Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians)—without approval from the Council.

According to Sudipta Roy, Chairman of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti, an inquiry confirmed the charges.

Sen, however, has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the Council targeted him deliberately.

“FRCP is an honorary degree, which can be used with one’s name without needing formal registration,” he said.

He also alleged that after receiving a notice from the Council, he applied as required and deposited ₹10,000 for registration, but the money was never refunded.

“I followed due procedure, yet they went ahead with the suspension. This is clearly a motivated move,” Sen stated.

Following the Council’s decision, fellow TMC doctor-leader Nirmal Maji told the media, “Suspending Shantanu Sen was the right decision. The party had already expelled him for his conduct. The person he attacked is a respected leader of our party.”