The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has once again ruled in favor of senior IPS officer AB Venkateswara Rao, declaring his suspension illegal for the second time. Mr. Rao was suspended over allegations of irregularities in the procurement of defense equipment, specifically accused of mismanaging phone-tapping equipment purchases.
After challenging his suspension successfully first with CAT and then seeing the high court uphold his challenge, the state government took the case to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court determined that an officer’s suspension should not extend beyond two years.
Following a comprehensive review, CAT has ordered Mr. Rao’s immediate reinstatement and awarded him back pay for the period of his suspension. This decision marks the second occasion that CAT has intervened to lift Mr. Rao’s suspension, highlighting ongoing legal battles over his alleged procurement infractions.
