The Andhra Pradesh High Court lashed out at the state government on Thursday for the arbitrary functioning of its IAS officers in the state in matters involving employees’ promotions and administrative accountability.
Justice Battu Devanand took strong exception to the government’s failure to respond despite repeated instances of alleged misconduct of IAS officers and criticised the administration for taking such issues lightly.
The court was particularly peeved at the state govt and the Chief Secretary for not taking action against senior IAS officer Babu Ahmed (IAS:2003:AP), serving as Chief Commissioner of state taxes. Ahmad is accused of withholding promotion files even after conducting Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings.
The court’s outburst came while hearing a petition filed by the employees’ association general secretary, M Ramesh. The court questioned delays in promotions and called them serious and harmful to the careers and finances of employees.
The court took a tough stand on it, saying it could not adopt a soft or indifferent attitude toward such officials. The court went on to warn that if allegations against Babu Ahmed were proven, it may direct the Central government to initiate his removal from service. The court even remarked that if it had the authority, it would have suspended the officer immediately.
The High Court noted that everyone, from junior employees to Chief Secretary, has the right to expect promotions based on merit, and they cannot be arbitrarily denied. Ahmed’s counsel said a counter affidavit will be filed and a fresh DPC held as the panel year ended.
The court adjourned the hearing to Friday.
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