New Delhi/Nainital: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Principal Bench [Circuit Nainital], has issued contempt notices to senior bureaucrats including Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan, Health Ministry Secretary Apurva Chandra, and Central Vigilance Commission Secretary P Daniel. This move is linked to a long-pending case concerning the downgraded appraisal report of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi.
Background: Downgraded Appraisal and CAT Orders
The contempt petition stems from Chaturvedi’s claim that his appraisal report for the Financial Year 2015-16 was unfairly downgraded as retaliation for his actions as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO). He had exposed several high-profile corruption cases, leading to friction with senior officials.
Chaturvedi filed a petition in CAT in July 2017 challenging the appraisal downgrade. On February 23, 2023, CAT directed the concerned officials to provide Chaturvedi with documents related to enquiries conducted by him as CVO, which the respondents had allegedly withheld.
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Non-Compliance and Contempt Notice
The recent contempt notices, issued by Judicial Member Ajay Pratap Singh and Administrative Member Sanjeeva Kumar, seek explanations from the top bureaucrats on why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for failing to comply with CAT’s February 2023 orders.
The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for July 9, 2025.
Legal Developments and HC Stay
In March 2023, CAT reiterated its order directing officials to furnish the documents to Chaturvedi. However, AIIMS Delhi challenged the CAT orders at the Uttarakhand High Court, which stayed the implementation of these orders in May 2023.
A year later, in May 2024, the Uttarakhand High Court clarified that the stay did not cover the Cabinet Secretary, Union Health Secretary, and Central Vigilance Commission. This clarification meant these officers were still required to comply with CAT’s orders.
Next Steps
With the contempt notices issued, the CAT is set to hear the matter further on July 9. The tribunal expects responses from the officials explaining the non-compliance or risk facing contempt proceedings.
