New Delhi: In a significant legal development, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has stayed an earlier order of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) that had revoked the suspension of IPS officer Vishal Gunni, delivering a major setback to the officer.
With this order, Gunni’s suspension will continue until further hearings in the matter.
Background: Suspension Over Abuse of Power Allegations
Vishal Gunni, a 2010 batch IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, was suspended by the state government in September 2024 over allegations of abuse of power.
The charges include the controversial arrest of Mumbai-based actress Kadambari Jethwani, which drew significant public attention and scrutiny.
CAT Had Revoked Suspension, Ordered Fresh Posting
Challenging his suspension, Gunni had approached the Central Administrative Tribunal. On August 28 last year, the tribunal set aside the suspension and directed the Andhra Pradesh government to assign him a new posting.
The CAT’s intervention had briefly provided relief to the officer.
State Government Challenges CAT Order in High Court
However, the Andhra Pradesh government moved the Andhra Pradesh High Court against the CAT’s decision.
Advocate General Dammalapati Srinivas argued that the tribunal had intervened prematurely, before the prescribed suspension period had concluded, which could disrupt the ongoing inquiry into the allegations.
Arguments Presented Before the Court
On the other side, senior advocate Avinash Desai appeared on behalf of Gunni, defending the CAT’s order and supporting his reinstatement.
After hearing both parties, the High Court observed that the matter requires detailed examination.
High Court Grants Stay; Suspension Continues
The court subsequently issued a stay on the CAT order, effectively restoring the status quo. This means that Vishal Gunni will remain under suspension for now.
The case has been adjourned, and the next hearing is scheduled for August 29.
Profile: Who is IPS Vishal Gunni?
Vishal Gunni is a 2010 batch IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, originally from Bengaluru.
Early Life & Education
- Born and raised in Bengaluru
- Comes from a family with a public service background—his father is a retired government official, and his grandfather was a freedom fighter and public representative
- Studied at India Air Force School, Bengaluru
- Holds a B.Tech degree in engineering
- Cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2009 with an All India Rank of 439
Career Highlights
- Served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Nellore and Guntur Rural
- Later held the position of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Visakhapatnam Range
- Known for handling high-profile crime investigations and community policing initiatives
Current Status and Ongoing Controversy
As of May 2026, Vishal Gunni remains under suspension pending investigation into alleged misconduct, particularly concerning the arrest and alleged harassment of Kadambari Jethwani.
The latest High Court order has ensured that the suspension remains in force until the matter is examined in detail in subsequent hearings.
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