DGP appointment case : CAT issues notices

The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) on Thursday issued notices to the state government and Director General of Police K Aravinda Rao in connection with a petition filed by Principal Secretary (Home) P Gautam (IAS) challenging the Mr Aravinda Rao’s appointment as DGP.

The notices to the respondents were issued after the Tribunal heard Mr Gautam Kumar’s advocate.

Mr Gautam Kumar had on Wednesday approached the CAT challenging Mr Aravinda Rao’s appointment as the DGP.

He had sought the setting aside of Mr Aravinda Rao’s appointment since ‘it was in violation of IPS cadre rules.’

Mr Gautam Kumar said that he was sidestepped from the top job by Mr Aravinda Rao even though he belongs to the 1975 batch of IPS while the DGP is of 1977 batch.

Mr Gautam Kumar, in his petition, termed Mr Aravinda Rao’s promotion as illegal and hence his appointment as DGP (head of police force) is equally illegal.

He urged the tribunal to peruse the records pertaining to the promotion of Rao and consequently declare his promotion as illegal.

The CAT, taking cognizance of Mr Gautam Kumar’s petition directed the respondents to reply to the notice within three weeks. The case was adjourned for further hearing till October 1.

It may be mentioned here that former DGP SSP Yadav had approached the CAT against his removal and subsequent appointment of Mr Aravinda Rao’s predecessor RR Girish Kumar.