Kochi: In a strongly worded order, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has directed the Kerala government to submit all documents related to a pending vigilance inquiry against Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Gupta (IPS: 1993: KL), following his petition alleging deliberate obstruction of his central deputation.
During the hearing held on Monday, the CAT Kochi Bench expressed dissatisfaction with the state government’s conduct and demanded a detailed report on the inquiry, which the state claims is the reason for denying Gupta the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) for deputation to central services.
State Ordered to Produce Key Documents
The tribunal specifically asked the state to furnish:
- Correspondence between the Centre and state regarding vigilance clearance
- Reports by the State Police Chief and Vigilance Chief
- Internal files concerning the preliminary investigation being overseen by the Chief Secretary’s office
The directive came after the Kerala government submitted a vague and delayed response despite multiple reminders. The reply only stated that a preliminary probe was ongoing into Gupta’s actions as former Vigilance Commissioner but failed to name complainants or provide concrete evidence.
Allegations Against Gupta as Vigilance Chief
The state has alleged that Yogesh Gupta, during his tenure as Vigilance Commissioner, approved certain investigations without proper sanction, potentially violating provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, the details remain sketchy, as the government has not yet made any formal disclosures on the specific nature of the complaints.
Also Read: Senior IPS Officer Yogesh Gupta Files CAT Petition Against Kerala Government Over Career Obstruction
Centre’s Repeated Requests Ignored
The issue escalated when the Union Home Ministry reportedly made at least nine written and email requests between April and May 2025, seeking Gupta’s vigilance clearance. These requests were related to his consideration for top central investigative posts.
Ironically, during the same period, the Kerala government forwarded Gupta’s vigilance profile to the UPSC for selection as the State Police Chief, raising questions about double standards and selective application of rules.
Gupta’s legal counsel highlighted this as discriminatory behaviour, suggesting that the state is intentionally stonewalling his central deputation while selectively cooperating in state-level appointments.
Fallout With Government and Reassignments
Once a close aide of the Pinarayi Vijayan administration, Gupta’s relationship with the state leadership soured after a high-profile move as Vigilance Chief. He submitted case files against KM Abraham, the Chief Minister’s principal secretary, directly to the Kerala High Court, leading to a CBI probe. Although the Supreme Court later stayed those proceedings, the move triggered political backlash.
In the aftermath, Gupta was removed from the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau and shifted to lower-profile postings. He currently heads the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, a role considered far less influential for a senior DGP-rank officer.
Gupta’s Petition Seeks Accountability
In his petition filed on August 28, Gupta alleged intentional delay and administrative obstruction by the Kerala government in processing his NOC. He has sought not only clearance for central deputation but also disciplinary action against those responsible for the alleged misuse of power.
The CAT has taken the matter seriously and is expected to resume hearings later this month, after reviewing the documents that the state has now been ordered to produce.
