The Delhi High Court has directed the Union Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to take a final decision within three months on a complaint alleging serious corruption against retired IAS officer Rajat Kumar of the Telangana cadre.
The court issued the direction while disposing of a writ petition filed by Gavinolla Srinivas.
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Complaint Filed in 2022
Srinivas had lodged a complaint with the DoPT on January 28, 2022, accusing the senior bureaucrat of corrupt practices.
The allegations include claims that Kumar accepted benefits from a private infrastructure company associated with major irrigation projects in Telangana.
Allegations Over Daughter’s Lavish Wedding
The complaint specifically alleged that the company bore expenses related to Kumar’s daughter’s wedding.
According to the petitioner, the five-day wedding ceremony was held at luxurious venues, including the iconic Falaknuma Palace.
It was further alleged that company executives routed payments through intermediary entities to cover the costs.
The petitioner cited investigative reports and other publicly available material in support of the allegations.
DoPT Forwarded Complaint to Telangana Govt
Instead of taking direct action, the DoPT had forwarded the complaint to the Telangana Chief Secretary on March 2, 2022.
The petitioner argued before the court that this was inadequate and contrary to legal obligations.
Supreme Court Judgment Cited
The plea relied on the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Vineet Narain vs Union of India, which mandates timely and independent action in corruption-related matters involving public officials.
The petitioner contended that merely forwarding the complaint did not satisfy the DoPT’s legal duty.
Court Says DoPT Cannot Avoid Responsibility
The High Court agreed with the petitioner’s argument, observing that forwarding the complaint to the state government did not absolve the DoPT of its responsibility.
The court noted that the department retains authority to act even if a report from the state government is pending.
“The respondent–DoPT has to take a final view on the complaint with due expedition,” the court observed.
It also said that prolonged inaction could not be justified in cases involving serious allegations of corruption.
Final Decision Within Three Months
The court disposed of the petition with a clear direction that the DoPT or the concerned ministry must decide on the complaint in accordance with applicable rules within three months.
The case has once again brought focus on accountability and timely action in corruption allegations involving senior public officials.
