Bengaluru: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has stayed a Government Order (G.O.) dated September 12, which promoted two IPS officers, Umesh Kumar and Chakravarthy J., from Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) to the rank of Director General of Police (DGP).
The interim stay was issued on Thursday by a division bench of CAT comprising S. Sujatha (Judicial Member) and Sanjiv Kumar (Administrative Member) in response to a petition filed by senior IPS officer Alok Kumar, who is currently serving as ADGP (Training).
Alok Kumar Alleges Violation of Due Process
In his petition, Alok Kumar, the senior-most ADGP in the State, challenged the decision of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting held on September 6, which cleared the promotion of his juniors while allegedly ignoring his seniority and eligibility.
Alok Kumar argued that the promotions were done without a fair evaluation and bypassed him unjustly, despite being ahead in seniority and service record.
Disciplinary Proceedings Still Under Judicial Review
Notably, Alok Kumar has been facing disciplinary proceedings linked to the 2019 phone-tapping and audio leak case. In May 2025, CAT had stayed a government notice that sought to initiate a fresh inquiry against him.
In the previous round of litigation, a division bench of CAT—comprising B.K. Shrivatsava (Judicial Member) and Santosh Mehra (Administrative Member)—had delivered split verdicts on September 4. The judicial member set aside the proceedings, while the administrative member upheld them.
However, the bench clarified on September 11 that an interim stay on disciplinary proceedings would continue until a third member of the tribunal issues a conclusive decision on Alok Kumar’s challenge to the fresh inquiry.
CBI Filed Closure Reports in Phone Tapping Case
Alok Kumar’s petition highlighted that the State Government had closed an earlier inquiry into the same allegations in 2023, after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)—which had probed the matter—filed ‘B’ reports in 2021 and again in 2024, stating that no allegations could be established against him or others involved.
He questioned the legality of reopening the same disciplinary proceedings, citing procedural unfairness and violation of natural justice.
What’s Next?
The promotion of Umesh Kumar and Chakravarthy J. to DGP rank is now stayed, pending further orders from CAT. A final decision on both the disciplinary case and promotion eligibility will depend on the outcome of the ongoing judicial process.
This case once again brings to the forefront issues of transparency, procedural integrity, and fairness in cadre management within the Indian Police Service.
Read also: CAT Reserves Order on DGP Yogesh Gupta’s Plea Alleging Kerala Govt Blocked Central Deputation NOC
