New Delhi: In a significant development concerning delayed tribunal appointments, Supreme Court of India has issued notice to Rachna Shah, a 1991 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre and Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training, while hearing a contempt petition filed by IRS officer Captain Pramod Kumar Bajaj.
The petition alleges that the Department failed to comply with an earlier Supreme Court direction to convene a Search-cum-Selection Committee for appointment to the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, despite a clear judicial timeline.
Why the Contempt Petition Was Filed
Captain Pramod Kumar Bajaj approached the Supreme Court alleging that the DoPT did not act on the Court’s January 30, 2026 order.
That order had directed the Union Government to consider his appointment within four weeks.
According to the petitioner, despite expiry of the prescribed period, the required Search-cum-Selection Committee meeting was not convened.
Bench Hearing the Matter
The contempt petition was heard by a bench comprising:
• Vikram Nath
• Sandeep Mehta
The bench issued formal notice to the DoPT Secretary seeking explanation.
Background of the Appointment Dispute
The dispute concerns appointment to the post of Member (Accountant) in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal.
The petitioner argued that he had undergone nearly four selection processes over several years.
Yet, each time, according to him, the appointment process was stalled.
He alleged that fresh charges were framed repeatedly to block his appointment.
2014 Selection Still at the Centre of the Dispute
The matter traces back to 2014 when Captain Bajaj was recommended by a Selection Committee chaired by a sitting Supreme Court judge.
Key point
• He secured All India Rank 1 in that selection process
Despite that recommendation, appointment did not materialise.
Supreme Court’s Earlier Strong Observation
In its earlier order, the Supreme Court had sharply criticised the Union Government.
The Court observed that the petitioner’s appointment appeared to have been deliberately blocked despite valid recommendation.
What the Supreme Court Had Ordered Earlier
The January 30, 2026 direction required:
• fresh Search-cum-Selection Committee meeting within four weeks
• inclusion of the petitioner in consideration
• communication of outcome within two weeks thereafter
Fresh Allegation of Non-Compliance
The petitioner has now alleged that even this fresh direction was ignored.
This led to filing of contempt proceedings against responsible officials.
Notice to Rachna Shah
The Court has now asked Rachna Shah to submit her response.
Deadline fixed
• April 14, 2026
Why This Case Is Important
The case has wider significance because tribunal appointments have repeatedly come under judicial scrutiny in India.
It also raises questions regarding:
• delay in implementing court orders
• executive discretion in appointments
• administrative accountability
About DoPT’s Role
The Department of Personnel and Training is the nodal authority handling appointments to several key posts in central administration and tribunals.
Its role in convening Search-cum-Selection Committees is crucial for timely appointments.
What Happens Next
After the DoPT Secretary files her response, the Supreme Court will decide whether contempt proceedings need to continue and whether further directions are required for appointment compliance.
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