In a rare and significant turn of events, two retired officers from the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) – Amar Deep Singh and Subhita Dhaka – have been inducted into the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS), thanks to a directive from the Chandigarh Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).
Promotions Delayed Despite Official Approvals
The appointments were long in the making. In July, a Selection Committee had recommended both Singh and Dhaka for promotion as part of a batch-wise elevation process to fill existing vacancies – eight posts in the 2022 IAS batch and ten in the 2023 batch. These recommendations were subsequently approved by the Haryana Government, Central Government, and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on August 1.
However, the process hit a roadblock because both officers had already superannuated from their state service by the time approvals were completed. HCS officers retire at the age of 58, whereas IAS officers continue service until the age of 60.
Officers Seek Redressal from CAT
Left in bureaucratic limbo, Singh and Dhaka moved the Central Administrative Tribunal, citing undue delay and procedural unfairness. The CAT, acknowledging their grievance, directed the competent authority to issue a “reasoned and speaking order.”
The case highlighted procedural rigidity that often overlooks deserving officers due to timing mismatches between recommendations and formal notifications.
Ministry Issues Formal Appointments
Acting on the CAT’s directive, the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions issued the formal notification, appointing Amar Deep Singh to the 2022 IAS batch and Subhita Dhaka to the 2023 batch.
Importantly, the notification clarified that both officers would be notionally appointed to the IAS, and their service period – from the date of their HCS retirement to the date of appointment – will be counted as part of their IAS tenure, subject to vigilance clearance by the Haryana Government.
Revised Retirement Dates
- Amar Deep Singh will now remain in service until February 28, 2026.
- Subhita Dhaka will serve until March 31, 2027.
This case sets a precedent for post-retirement promotions in exceptional circumstances and highlights the vital role of tribunals like CAT in ensuring justice within the administrative framework.
