Rampur: The political and legal controversy surrounding 2005-batch IAS officer Aunjaneya Kumar Singh, who has been serving as Moradabad Divisional Commissioner, has taken a fresh turn after the Samajwadi Party’s Rampur District President Ajay Sagar withdrew his petition from the Supreme Court.
Sagar had approached the Supreme Court seeking intervention over the extension of Singh’s deputation tenure in Uttar Pradesh. The petition was originally filed in the Delhi High Court, but the matter had remained pending, prompting the SP leader to approach the apex court.
The petition was withdrawn on Monday when it came up for hearing.
The development has triggered speculation in political circles, particularly because the Azam Khan camp had been closely watching the case. Sagar, however, has not disclosed the reason for withdrawing the petition.
Meanwhile, Singh’s deputation tenure ended on August 14, following which he handed over charge as Moradabad Divisional Commissioner and proceeded on leave. No fresh government order regarding his continuation or next posting has been issued so far.
Why Was the Petition Filed Against Aunjaneya Singh?
IAS Singh has been a controversial figure in Rampur and western Uttar Pradesh because of his administrative actions against senior Samajwadi Party leader Mohammad Azam Khan.
Singh served as District Magistrate of Rampur for around two years before taking charge as Moradabad Divisional Commissioner, a position he has held for around seven years.
His strict administrative approach during his Rampur tenure brought him into direct confrontation with Azam Khan and his political camp.
The SP district president had challenged the repeated extension of Singh’s deputation, arguing against his continued tenure in Uttar Pradesh.
The first petition was filed before the Delhi High Court in 2022.
Delhi High Court Case Remained Pending
The original petition challenging Singh’s deputation and extension was filed in the Delhi High Court. However, the matter could not be taken up for a final hearing for a considerable period.
As Singh’s tenure approached its end last year, Ajay Sagar approached the Supreme Court seeking intervention.
On August 8 last year, the Supreme Court disposed of the petition with a direction to take appropriate steps to ensure an early hearing of the writ petition pending before the Delhi High Court.
Despite the Supreme Court’s direction, the matter remained unresolved in the High Court.
The next hearing was eventually fixed for October 8, by which time Singh’s deputation tenure was scheduled to have ended.
Fresh Supreme Court Plea Filed on June 15
With the High Court hearing still scheduled for October, Sagar again approached the Supreme Court on June 15.
The fresh petition pointed out that Singh’s deputation was due to expire on August 13/14, while the next hearing in the Delhi High Court was scheduled almost two months later, on October 8.
The petition sought appropriate directions from the Supreme Court so that the issue could be addressed before Singh’s deputation ended.
The matter was listed for hearing on Monday.
However, when it came up, the petitioner’s counsel chose to withdraw the plea.
Why Did the SP Leader Withdraw the Plea?
The reason for the withdrawal has not been officially explained.
The move has consequently generated different interpretations in political circles, particularly because the petition was aimed at challenging Singh’s continued deputation and the Supreme Court was expected to consider the plea.
Ajay Sagar has declined to comment on why the petition was withdrawn.
The withdrawal also comes at a crucial point in Singh’s career, as his latest deputation period has already ended and the Uttar Pradesh government has yet to issue an order regarding his future.
Aunjaneya Singh Currently on Leave
Singh is currently on leave after handing over the charge of Moradabad Divisional Commissioner following the end of his deputation on August 14.
The state government has not yet issued an official order either extending his tenure or assigning him another posting.
His future has already become a subject of speculation in bureaucratic circles, with reports that the Uttar Pradesh government is seeking another extension for the officer from the Centre.
If approved, it could potentially allow Singh to continue in Uttar Pradesh despite having already spent a prolonged period on deputation.
Singh’s Long Association With Moradabad and Rampur
Singh’s administrative career in Uttar Pradesh has been closely associated with Rampur and Moradabad, two politically significant areas of western Uttar Pradesh.
As Rampur DM, he was involved in several administrative actions concerning Azam Khan and matters related to Jauhar University and other cases involving the former minister.
His subsequent tenure as Moradabad Divisional Commissioner gave him responsibility for a wider region with significant political and law-and-order sensitivities.
His continuation has therefore remained politically contentious, particularly among sections of the Samajwadi Party.
What Happens to the High Court Case Now?
The withdrawal of the fresh Supreme Court petition does not necessarily mean that the original Delhi High Court case has ended.
The earlier writ petition challenging Singh’s deputation remains pending, with the next hearing reportedly scheduled for October 8.
The latest Supreme Court petition was withdrawn after the counsel chose not to pursue the matter at the apex court.
The legal status of the original High Court proceedings will therefore remain important, particularly if the government subsequently issues a fresh order regarding Singh’s deputation or posting.
Bigger Question: Will Singh Get Another Extension?
The legal development comes against the backdrop of a larger administrative question: Will Aunjaneya Kumar Singh return to Uttar Pradesh after his deputation ended on August 14?
Sources have indicated that the Uttar Pradesh government has sought another extension from the Centre.
Singh’s case has attracted attention because of the unusually long period he has spent in Uttar Pradesh on deputation and the repeated extensions granted to him.
His future could depend on the Centre’s decision on the state’s proposal.
For now, Singh remains on leave, the SP leader has withdrawn his latest Supreme Court plea, and the government has not issued a fresh order on the officer’s next assignment.
The combination of these developments has ensured that the controversy surrounding Aunjaneya Kumar Singh’s deputation remains unresolved.
