Shimla: The Government of Himachal Pradesh has appointed senior IAS officer Sanjay Gupta as the full-time Chief Secretary of the state just days before his scheduled retirement on May 31, 2026. The decision has drawn political attention and legal scrutiny, as a petition challenging his earlier appointment is already pending before the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
Gupta, a 1988-batch IAS officer, had been serving as officiating Chief Secretary since October 2025 following the retirement of Prabodh Saxena.
Appointment Comes Just Days Before Retirement
Gupta is scheduled to retire on May 31, 2026. His elevation to the top post so close to retirement has been described by officials as largely procedural, intended to formalize his position and ensure service-related benefits after retirement.
Government sources have also indicated that there is no current proposal for extending his tenure beyond retirement.
Administrative Reshuffle in State Bureaucracy
Along with Gupta’s appointment, the state government has also announced a minor reshuffle.
IAS officer Amarjeet Singh (2010 batch), currently serving as Secretary in the Cooperation Department, has been given additional charge of the Town and Country Planning and Housing Department.
Legal Challenge Pending in Himachal Pradesh High Court
The appointment of Sanjay Gupta as Chief Secretary has been challenged through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
The petition alleges violations of vigilance clearance norms and administrative guidelines for sensitive posts. The High Court has issued notices to the state government and listed the matter for hearing on July 21, 2026.
Political Reactions and Allegations
The decision has triggered strong political reactions across parties.
CPI(M) leader and former Shimla mayor Sanjay Chauhan alleged that Gupta’s elevation raises serious questions due to pending corruption-related allegations linked to the “Chester Hills” housing project.
Senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also criticised the move, claiming it reflects administrative bias and raises concerns about governance and transparency.
Allegations in Chester Hills Case
Gupta has been linked to allegations involving the Chester Hills housing project in Solan, including claims of irregular land transactions and administrative irregularities.
He has denied all allegations, stating that he has no involvement in the project and that earlier approvals were made through proper legal channels. The matter remains under investigation and judicial review.
Government Defends Appointment as Procedural
Senior officials in the state administration have described Gupta’s appointment as a formal administrative step taken to ensure continuity and proper service record completion before retirement.
They maintain that such decisions are not uncommon for senior IAS officers nearing superannuation.
Who is Sanjay Gupta? IAS Officer Profile
Sanjay Gupta is a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1988 Himachal Pradesh cadre with over 37 years of administrative experience.
Key profile details include:
- Batch: 1988 IAS officer
- Cadre: Himachal Pradesh
- Date of Birth: 6 May 1966
- Education: B.E. in Civil Engineering and Diploma in Management
- Service Experience: More than three decades in various administrative roles across departments
- Current Role: Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh
- Previous Key Post: Additional Chief Secretary (Town and Country Planning & Housing)
He is widely regarded as one of the most senior and experienced bureaucrats in the Himachal Pradesh administration.
The appointment of Sanjay Gupta as Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh marks a significant administrative development just ahead of his retirement. However, ongoing legal proceedings and political criticism have made it one of the most closely watched bureaucratic decisions in the state.
