Kochi/New Delhi: In a significant development, the Central Administrative Tribunal’s Kochi bench has directed the Kerala Chief Secretary to forward the vigilance report of senior IPS officer Yogesh Gupta to the Union Government within five days, marking a major legal victory for the 1993 batch officer and a setback for the Kerala administration.
Who is Yogesh Gupta?
Yogesh Gupta, a 1993 batch IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, is widely regarded as a sharp investigative mind with a proven track record in financial crime investigation. Known for pioneering the TRACK Model (Track, Reconstruct, Analysis, Connect, Key Insights), Gupta’s career includes high-impact tenures at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Despite his distinguished service, Gupta has been at the center of a prolonged legal and bureaucratic battle with the Kerala government, which has transferred him eight times in the past four years, allegedly sidelining him for initiating uncomfortable probes during his stint as Director of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB).
CAT Slams Kerala Govt for Withholding Vigilance Report
The CAT’s order came in response to Gupta’s plea that the Kerala government had failed to forward his vigilance report to the Union Home Ministry, despite repeated requests from the Centre since April 2024.
The Centre had sought his profile and clearance to consider him for senior posts in central agencies like the CBI and ED. The state police chief submitted the required report to the Chief Secretary in May 2024, but it was allegedly withheld from the Ministry.
The Tribunal termed the state’s non-compliance as unjustified and stated – “There is no material fact or valid basis on record to justify not submitting the report.”
The Kerala government’s argument that a pending vigilance inquiry was the reason for withholding the report was dismissed by the CAT, which clarified that a pending inquiry does not constitute sufficient grounds to delay or deny forwarding a vigilance report.
Investigations That Sparked Controversy
Gupta’s troubles reportedly began during his tenure as the head of VACB, when he initiated several sensitive investigations, including –
- An inquiry against P.P. Divya, a politician linked to the suicide of an Additional District Magistrate in 2024.
- Investigations against officials without prior state approval – though Gupta claims these were based on court directions.
- Sharing of sensitive case files when the Kerala High Court ordered a CBI probe against Dr. K.M. Abraham, then Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister. The Supreme Court later stayed the investigation, but Gupta’s actions during this period reportedly made him a target for administrative backlash.
Frequent Transfers and Sideline Appointments
Mr Gupta has faced what many call a pattern of punitive transfers, including –
- Removal from the Fire and Rescue Service
- Recent reassignment as Road Safety Commissioner
- Being overlooked for central deputation despite his extensive credentials and experience
These frequent reassignments have raised serious questions about political interference in bureaucratic postings in Kerala.
Kerala Govt Sends Clearance to UPSC, But Not to MHA
Ironically, the Kerala government recently sent Yogesh Gupta’s vigilance clearance to the UPSC for consideration for the post of state police chief, but did not send the same to the Union Home Ministry when requested for central deputation posts.
This selective approach was also questioned by the Tribunal.
A Legal Victory, A Career Turning Point
With the CAT now directing the state to forward the report within five days, Gupta may finally be able to pursue central deputation and take up leadership roles in national investigation agencies once again.
He is due to retire in 2030, giving him a significant window to contribute at the national level.
What’s Next?
This development is being seen as –
- A personal relief for Yogesh Gupta
- A judicial rebuke to the Kerala government
- A restoration of bureaucratic transparency and fairness
Whether Gupta’s TRACK model and analytical expertise will once again benefit agencies like the CBI or ED now depends on how quickly the Union Government acts on the Tribunal’s directive.
