Telangana HC questions IPS officers holding key IAS cadre posts
What's the story
The Telangana High Court has sought an explanation from the state government on why several senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers are holding posts meant for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre. Justice Surepalli Nanda issued notices to the Chief Secretary in response to a petition by Vadla Srikanth, challenging a government order that gave IAS-equivalent status to IPS officers, Telangana Today reported.
Legal challenge
Petition challenges government order on IPS officers' appointments
The petition specifically challenges the appointments of Stephen Ravindra, Shikha Goel, and CV Anand to IAS cadre posts. Ravindra is currently serving as the Commissioner of Civil Supplies and the Ex-Officio Principal Secretary to the government. Goel is the Director General of Vigilance and Enforcement and the Ex-Officio Principal Secretary (General Administration Department). Anand is the Special Chief Secretary in the Home Department.
Court proceedings
Legal arguments against cross-cadre appointments
The petitioner's advocate, Vijay Gopal, argued that these appointments violate the IAS (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Regulations, 2016. He said Principal Secretary positions are reserved for IAS officers who oversee decisions taken by IPS officials. "Having an IPS officer in a review position compromises the existence of a neutral party," Gopal argued, citing differences in training and responsibilities under service rules.
Case adjourned
Telangana government's response and court adjournment
The practice of appointing IPS officers to IAS cadre posts started in 2014 under the BRS-led government. Special Government Pleader Rahul Reddy sought time to file a detailed counter-affidavit on behalf of the state. The court granted an extension and adjourned the case to December 10, asking the Telangana government to justify these appointments by then.