Vijayawada: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has set aside the Andhra Pradesh government’s order suspending IPS officer Vishal Gunni, who holds the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
In its order, the tribunal directed the government to reinstate Gunni immediately and issue posting orders with all consequential benefits that he is eligible for.
Suspension Followed Complaint by Mumbai-Based Actress
The state government had earlier placed Vishal Gunni under suspension after receiving a complaint from a Mumbai-based actress, who alleged harassment and being falsely implicated in a criminal case by senior police officials in Andhra Pradesh — including Gunni.
The complaint also named the then Intelligence Chief, the Vijayawada Police Commissioner, and the Ibrahimpatnam Station House Officer (SHO).
Gunni Secured Anticipatory Bail from High Court
Following the complaint, Gunni approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail and also filed a petition to quash the FIR against him.
The High Court granted him anticipatory bail and issued interim orders staying further proceedings in the case based on the actress’s complaint.
Subsequently, Gunni moved the CAT challenging his suspension order, terming it arbitrary and baseless.
Senior Counsel Argues Suspension Was Unfounded
Appearing for Gunni, Senior Counsel Avinash Desai argued that the complaint and subsequent case were motivated and initiated at the behest of an accused person (the actress) in another case.
He contended that there was no evidence to suggest Gunni had tampered with evidence or acted beyond his authority.
CAT: “Inquiry Based on Media Reports, Not Evidence”
The CAT bench, after examining the records, noted that the suspension order was primarily based on media reports rather than concrete material or evidence.
It observed that such an inquiry cannot be sustained without corroborating facts and also questioned the eight-month delay in filing the complaint.
The tribunal stated that the apprehension of Gunni acting on oral instructions from a superior officer had no legal basis.
Holding that the state’s action was devoid of merit, the CAT quashed the suspension order and directed authorities to restore Gunni’s service with full benefits.
Summary
- CAT reinstates IPS officer Vishal Gunni, quashing suspension.
- Complaint by Mumbai actress formed the basis of suspension.
- Tribunal finds the inquiry unsustainable, based only on media reports.
- High Court had already granted anticipatory bail to Gunni earlier.
