New Delhi/Lucknow: The controversy surrounding UPPSC-appointed Nayab Tehsildar Shubham Agarwal has entered a new phase, with the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) writing to the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, asking the state government to take appropriate action regarding his appointment in light of the recent Supreme Court judgment in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) disability quota dispute.
The communication comes weeks after the Supreme Court, on May 22, 2026, ruled in favour of the Union Government and the UPSC in the case relating to Agarwal’s claim for appointment under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category in the Civil Services Examination 2024.
While the apex court did not cancel Agarwal’s appointment in Uttar Pradesh, declare any disability certificate forged or hold him guilty of fraud, the Centre has now referred the matter to the Uttar Pradesh government for examination under the applicable service rules.
DoPT Seeks State Government’s Response
According to official sources, the DoPT has written to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary requesting that appropriate action be considered regarding Agarwal’s appointment as Nayab Tehsildar, which he secured through the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) under the disability reservation category.
The communication is understood to have been sent following the Supreme Court proceedings and the issues raised regarding the medical assessments relied upon during different recruitment processes.
The Uttar Pradesh government is now expected to examine the matter and decide the future course of action in accordance with applicable rules and procedures.
Background: Supreme Court Verdict
The controversy stems from the Supreme Court’s judgment in Union of India & UPSC vs. Shubham Agarwal, where the Court allowed the appeals filed by the Union Government and the UPSC and set aside an earlier Delhi High Court order.
The dispute centred around conflicting medical assessments relating to Agarwal’s claimed hearing disability.
Over several years, multiple medical evaluations—including assessments conducted by UPSC medical boards and AIIMS—reportedly found little or no hearing impairment. However, an Army Hospital assessment conducted in 2025 reportedly assessed his hearing disability at 67.84 per cent, making him eligible for consideration under the PwBD category.
Observing substantial inconsistencies between the medical reports, the Supreme Court directed a fresh examination at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai.
According to the medical board’s report placed before the Court, the final audiological assessment could not be completed after Agarwal allegedly left the hospital before the examination concluded and did not return despite repeated attempts by the medical board to contact him.
The Supreme Court subsequently declined his request for another opportunity and ruled that UPSC was not obligated to grant him appointment under the PwBD category.
Court Did Not Cancel UPPSC Appointment
Importantly, while dismissing Agarwal’s claim in the UPSC recruitment, the Supreme Court did not issue any directions concerning his service in the Uttar Pradesh government.
The judgment neither declared his disability certificates fake nor cancelled his appointment as Nayab Tehsildar.
The Court observed that any decision regarding his state government appointment would fall within the jurisdiction of the competent authorities.
Fresh Administrative Scrutiny
The DoPT’s latest communication effectively places the matter before the Uttar Pradesh government for administrative consideration.
Officials are expected to examine the disability certificates, medical records and recruitment documents relied upon during Agarwal’s selection through the UPPSC before taking any decision.
Whether the state government orders a formal inquiry or initiates any further proceedings will depend on its examination of the records and applicable legal provisions.
Case Continues to Draw Attention
The case has attracted nationwide attention because it raises broader questions about the verification of disability certificates, consistency in medical assessments and safeguards governing reservation benefits meant for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.
With the DoPT now formally writing to the Uttar Pradesh government, the focus shifts to the state’s response and whether it decides to initiate any administrative or legal proceedings concerning Agarwal’s appointment.
