In a significant development, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) on Wednesday pulled up the Madhya Pradesh government over delay in the IPS induction process while hearing a petition filed by three 1998-batch State Police Service officers. These officers had moved the tribunal after being excluded from consideration for IPS induction due to an inordinate delay in it.
The tribunal questioned the functioning of the central and state governments and issued notices to both governments granting them interim relief.
A number of legal experts believe the order could set an important precedent in addressing administrative delays and ensuring accountability in similar cases.
The three officers missed the opportunity for induction into the IPS after crossing the upper age limit of 56 years. They argued that it was due to the delay in conducting the mandatory cadre review that resulted in their disqualification.
As per norms, the cadre review is to be done every five years. According to the petition, it was due in 2018 but was conducted after four years of delay in 2022. As a result, the applicants crossed the prescribed age limit and lost their opportunity for IPS induction despite fulfilling all other eligibility criteria. The officers have completed 26 to 27 years of service.
The petitioners contended that the delay was a clear failure of governance and that they should not suffer due to administrative lapses, seeking relief from the tribunal.
The CAT observed a prima facie case in favour of the applicants and directed that the status quo be maintained. It also issued notices to the central and state governments, seeking their responses.
Get Latest Updates