Indore, MP: A serious controversy has emerged in Indore involving IAS officer Santosh Verma, with allegations of fabricated court judgments aimed at securing his acquittal in a case filed by his wife. The development has sparked political and administrative concerns, raising questions about his promotion to the Indian Administrative Service.
Allegations of Conspiracy
Public Prosecutor Abhijeet Singh Rathore at the Indore District and Sessions Court stated that evidence has surfaced suggesting a conspiracy between Santosh Verma and Judge Vijendra Singh Rawat. The alleged objective was to produce two false judgments that would clear Verma of a case registered earlier by his wife at the Lasudia Police Station.
Rathore explained that these judgments were allegedly aimed at ensuring Verma’s promotion through the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) and facilitating his IAS qualification.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The police carried out an investigation into the matter, obtaining approval from the High Court to arrest Judge Rawat. Around 15 days ago, the judge was suspended, and the High Court authorised his arrest. Subsequently, Judge Rawat filed for anticipatory bail, which was granted on 5 December 2025 by Additional Sessions Judge Prakash Kaser.
Meanwhile, an FIR was lodged against IAS officer Verma, who remained in judicial custody for a substantial period before being granted bail by the Supreme Court. The original case filed by Verma’s wife at Lasudia police station remains active, though no further witness testimonies or developments have emerged yet.
The alleged fabrication of two judgments came to light when Verma’s wife lodged a complaint and Judge Rawat himself clarified that he had not issued the orders.
Controversial Remarks by IAS Verma
Adding to the controversy, IAS Verma recently faced backlash over objectionable remarks targeting the Brahmin community during the Madhya Pradesh AJJAKS provincial convention in Bhopal on 23 November 2025.
The All India Services Conduct and Discipline notice described his statement as an attempt to hurt social harmony and categorize it as indiscipline, arbitrariness, and serious misconduct.
Political Repercussions and Call for Investigation
Janardan Mishra, Member of Parliament from Rewa, criticised Verma’s remarks and questioned the legitimacy of his IAS promotion. Mishra highlighted several points –
- Verma allegedly used an ST category certificate to join the IAS despite being from the SC category.
- He had a pending criminal case and had been in judicial custody.
- Calls for investigation into how he was awarded the IAS position.
Mishra has written to Union Minister of State for Personnel, Jitendra Singh, demanding a probe. He stated that if found guilty, Verma’s IAS promotion should be revoked.
Implications
The case has attracted significant public attention due to the gravity of allegations involving judicial misconduct, administrative promotions, and social conduct violations. It underscores the need for stringent oversight in both judicial and bureaucratic appointments.
Read also: Pressure Mounts on IAS Officer Santosh Verma Amid Promotion Controversy in Madhya Pradesh
