Chandigarh: The Haryana government is facing criticism from a group of 45 retired IAS officers over its appointment of Vikas Barala, son of BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subhas Barala, as Assistant Advocate General (AAG). The officers have written a letter to the state government expressing strong objection to the decision, citing Barala’s involvement in a pending criminal case from 2017.
Background: Alleged Stalking Incident from 2017
Vikas Barala made headlines in August 2017 after being accused of stalking the daughter of a senior IAS officer in Chandigarh. Along with his friend Ashish Kumar, he allegedly chased the woman’s car at night while she was returning from a local nightclub.
The two were arrested on August 9, 2017, and charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
- Section 354D – Stalking
- Section 341 – Wrongful restraint
- Section 365 – Attempt to kidnap
While charges were framed in October 2017, the trial has remained pending, and Vikas was granted bail in January 2018.
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July 2025 Appointments Draw Fire
On July 18, 2025, the Haryana government issued a notification appointing Vikas Barala and 96 others to various posts including Assistant Advocate General, Additional Advocate General, Deputy Advocate General, and Senior Deputy Advocate General.
The decision has sparked controversy, with the retired officers stating that it undermines public trust in the legal system and sends a poor message regarding the government’s commitment to women’s safety.
“Beti Bachao” Slogan Called Into Question
In their letter, the retired IAS officers criticized the government for ignoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign. They wrote:
“Appointing someone with such a tainted past to a sensitive legal post contradicts the values that this government claims to uphold. It is a betrayal to the spirit of ‘Beti Bachao’.”
The letter is being viewed as a rare but significant move by former senior bureaucrats, many of whom served in top administrative posts across the country.
Political Implications and Legal Concerns
The appointment has raised ethical and legal questions, with civil society groups and activists also voicing concern. Critics argue that giving an official role to someone facing serious charges, especially in a legal advisory capacity to the state, compromises both integrity and public perception.
Supporters of the government, however, argue that Barala has not been convicted, and therefore retains his right to employment and presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
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