The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an official order on Wednesday, announcing the premature retirement of Basant Kumar Rath (IPS:2000:AGMUT), an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who had been suspended since July 2020. The decision comes after the Union home ministry had extended Rath’s suspension for an additional six months last month.
Basant Rath’s suspension was initially imposed due to repeated instances of gross misconduct and misbehavior. The MHA invoked its authority under Rule 16(3) of the All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, in consultation with the UT Division. The order mandates the retirement of Basant Kumar Rath in the public interest, with immediate effect. He will receive three months’ pay and allowances in lieu of notice as part of the retirement process.
The President, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has taken this step, underscoring the gravity of the officer’s conduct and the decision’s alignment with the best interests of the public service.
