New Delhi: In a significant administrative development, the President of India has ordered the revocation of suspension and reinstatement of Hemant Kumar, a 2013-batch IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre. The decision comes after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) closed its investigation, finding that the allegations of irregularities against Kumar could not be substantiated.
Suspension and Investigation Background
Hemant Kumar was initially suspended by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on October 20, 2023, in connection with alleged irregularities related to an arbitration award involving land acquisition for the construction of a National Highway in Bamnoli village, Delhi.
His suspension was extended multiple times, with the last extension granted on March 10, 2025, for 180 days, lasting until September 5, 2025.
Disciplinary Proceedings and Inquiry
The government had appointed:
- S.K. Srivastava, a retired 1978-batch IAS officer, as the Inquiring Authority
- Dilkhush Meena, a 2019-batch IAS officer, as the Presenting Officer
to conduct disciplinary proceedings starting March 7, 2025.
Closure of CBI Case and Reinstatement
Following a thorough investigation, the CBI closed its case, citing insufficient evidence to support the allegations. There are no other criminal proceedings pending against Hemant Kumar.
Based on these findings, the President has ordered the revocation of Kumar’s suspension. The officer is scheduled to rejoin service on September 6, 2025, marking the end of a nearly two-year-long suspension.
Significance
This reinstatement not only clears Hemant Kumar’s name but also restores his position in the administrative cadre, allowing him to continue his career in public service. The decision underscores the importance of due process and the principle of presumption of innocence in disciplinary and criminal investigations involving government officers.
