Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant administrative rebuke, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has directed the Kerala government to issue a mandatory Vigilance clearance to senior IPS officer Yogesh Gupta within five working days, putting an end to what it called “deliberate and prolonged delay” that has effectively stalled his central deputation opportunities for months.
Career Blocked Despite Repeated Applications and CAT Orders
The directive comes after 13 formal applications submitted by Gupta and four previous CAT directions, all of which were ignored by the state government. The Union Home Ministry had also repeatedly reminded Kerala that the clearance is essential for considering officers like Gupta for posts in national investigative agencies such as the CBI or ED.
Instead of complying, the government moved him across various departments, without giving clear reasons or responses to his queries.
Read also: CAT Reserves Order on DGP Yogesh Gupta’s Plea Alleging Kerala Govt Blocked Central Deputation NOC
Once Favoured, Now Sidelined
Gupta, currently posted as Director General of Police, has seen a marked fall from grace in Kerala’s power corridors, especially after reportedly falling out with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Known for his unusual blend of policing and finance expertise, Gupta is not just an IPS officer but also a qualified cost accountant and chartered accountant — a rarity in India’s police services.
Previously, he had held several crucial roles, including:
- Managing Director of Kerala State Beverages Corporation (KSBC) — the state’s liquor monopoly
- Senior posts at CBI and Enforcement Directorate
- Fallout from Vigilance Bureau Actions Against CM’s Principal Secretary
The turning point in Gupta’s career came during his tenure as Director of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB). In a bold move, Gupta submitted case files directly to the Kerala High Court against K.M. Abraham, the Principal Secretary to the CM, in a disproportionate assets case.
The Kerala High Court had ordered a CBI probe into the matter.
However, the Supreme Court later stayed the investigation.
Soon after, Gupta was removed from the Vigilance post and successively reassigned to Fire and Rescue Services, and later to his current post — seen by many as a strategic sidelining.
Ignored Grievances and Delayed Justice
Despite sending multiple reminders to Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak and even filing a complaint with the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell, Gupta’s Vigilance clearance remained inexplicably withheld.
This, despite the fact that Gupta:
- Has never been charge-sheeted or penalised.
- Successfully served tenures with the CBI and ED in the past, which also require Vigilance clearances.
The CAT has now made it clear that the delay cannot be tolerated any further and ordered mandatory issuance of the clearance within five working days.
Key Takeaways
- CAT slams Kerala government’s delay and inaction.
- Gupta’s central deputation blocked due to lack of clearance.
- Political fallout believed to have influenced administrative actions.
Officer has previously served with distinction in key national agencies.
