Shimla: Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against retired 1985 batch IAS officer and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Dr. Shrikant Baldi following a defamation complaint filed by former Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, an IAS officer of 1988 batch.
According to the complaint, Gupta alleged that Baldi made false, malicious, and defamatory imputations against him through press statements and dissemination of information in the media. Acting on the complaint, police initiated legal proceedings and registered an FIR.
The development comes shortly after Sanjay Gupta assumed charge as Chairman of the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) on June 3, 2026.
Allegations of Defamatory Statements
Sources indicate that the complaint pertains to statements allegedly made by Dr. Shrikant Baldi that, according to Gupta, harmed his reputation and professional standing.
Gupta has alleged that the remarks were circulated through media channels and constituted defamatory communication. Police are expected to examine the contents of the complaint and related evidence as part of the investigation.
Officials have not yet disclosed further details regarding the specific statements that form the basis of the case.
Distinguished Administrative Career of Dr. Shrikant Baldi
Dr. Shrikant Baldi is a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1985 batch belonging to the Himachal Pradesh cadre. He served in several key administrative positions during a career spanning more than three decades.
Served as Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary
Baldi reached the highest bureaucratic position in the state when he was appointed Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh on September 2, 2019. He succeeded B.K. Agarwal and served in the role until his retirement on December 31, 2019.
Finance Secretary Under Three Governments
One of the notable aspects of his administrative career was his tenure as Finance Secretary under three successive state governments, a rare distinction that earned him recognition for his expertise in fiscal management and public administration.
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister
Before becoming Chief Secretary, Baldi served as Principal Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary to then Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. He was closely involved in policy implementation and governance matters at the highest level of the state administration.
Other Key Administrative Assignments
Throughout his career, Baldi held several important positions, including:
- Additional Chief Secretary (Information & Public Relations, Excise and Taxation)
- Secretary, Power Department
- Managing Director, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC)
- Managing Director, Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC)
- Deputy Commissioner of Kangra
- Deputy Commissioner of Solan
Leadership of Himachal Pradesh RERA
Following his retirement from active service, the Himachal Pradesh government appointed Dr. Baldi as the inaugural Chairperson of the Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HP RERA).
He assumed charge in early 2020 and remained at the helm of the regulatory body until December 2024. During his tenure, he played a key role in establishing and strengthening the state’s real estate regulatory framework.
Contributions to Governance and Research
Apart from his administrative career, Dr. Baldi has also contributed extensively to governance literature, public policy, and disaster management research.
His notable publications and research works include:
- Emergency Relief Manual of Himachal Pradesh
- Empowering Financial Management in HRTC
- Natural Disaster Management and Control in India
- Employment Generation and Poverty Alleviation through Development of Off-Season Vegetables and Floriculture in Solan District
These works have focused on disaster management, public finance, rural development, and regional economic growth.
Investigation Underway
With the registration of the FIR, the matter has now entered the legal process. Police are expected to investigate the allegations and examine relevant records, statements, and evidence before taking further action.
Neither side has publicly commented in detail on the ongoing proceedings beyond the allegations contained in the complaint.
Conclusion
The registration of an FIR against former Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary and ex-RERA Chairman Dr. Shrikant Baldi marks a significant development involving two senior retired IAS officers. As investigations proceed, attention will remain focused on the legal outcome of the defamation complaint filed by former Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta.
