In a move that surprised many in bureaucratic circles, the Himachal Pradesh government on Tuesday appointed Sanjay Gupta (IAS:1988:HP) as the Chief Secretary of the state. The appointment was made in “public interest” just four days before his retirement on May 31, 2026.
Gupta is currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Town and Country Planning and Housing Department. He has also been holding the additional charge of Chief Secretary since October 1 last year after the retirement of Prabodh Saxena (IAS:1990:HP).
The decision came as a surprise in Shimla’s power circles. Discussions on the next Chief Secretary had reportedly narrowed down to Kamlesh Kumar Pant (IAS:1993:HP) and Onkar Chand Sharma (IAS:1994:HP). But instead of naming a successor, the government formally appointed Gupta to the post.
The state government has still not indicated who will succeed him after his retirement later this month.
Meanwhile, the appointment has come under judicial scrutiny. Last week, the Himachal Pradesh High Court issued notices to the state government, the Centre and Sanjay Gupta while hearing a PIL against the decision to continue him as Chief Secretary despite three corruption-related FIRs pending against him.
The petitioner argued that integrity is crucial in senior administrative appointments. It was also argued that officers holding top constitutional and administrative posts should have clean records.
The matter will next come up for hearing on July 21.
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