Health minister Bhanu Pratap Sahi took the decision after seeking permission from chief minister Madhu Koda, sources said. Around 600 contractual doctors have been agitating from May 26, demanding regularization of their jobs. The government had given them 48 hours to join duties or get sacked, the sources said.

Now, the Contract Doctors' Association is looking for legal options to counter the government's stand. A team of doctors consulted some senior lawyers on Thursday, while another team is planning to meet UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi. Contract Doctors' Association president Vimlesh Singh said 57 doctors of the association, who were on the verge of retirement, joined their duties on Wednesday night. ``The 553 remaining contract doctors, who are still on strike, would gather at the IMA state office and stage protest march up to the Rajbhawan on Friday,'' Singh said.

Criticising the government for giving fake data regarding number of doctors rejoining service due to threat issued by the minister, Singh said contract doctors are no longer putting up the fight alone. ``We have the backing of IMA; many socio-political organisations have also come forward in our support,'' he said.

IMA state unit secretary, R C Jha, said the association would move a petition before the Jharkhand HC, challenging dismissal of the contract doctors. ``It's mentioned in the contract that government can revoke it only after serving a two-month notice,'' he said.