New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government and the Centre to complete all pending disciplinary proceedings against former IPS officer Amitabh Thakur within six months, in a significant development in the long-running service dispute.
The case involves four pending departmental inquiries against the former Indian Police Service officer of the 1992 batch.
Court Order on Pending Disciplinary Cases
A bench comprising Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva took note of submissions from the Uttar Pradesh government confirming that four disciplinary proceedings are still pending against Thakur.
The Supreme Court directed both the state and central authorities to finalise all proceedings within six months, ensuring timely closure of the long-pending matter.
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Background: Compulsory Retirement in 2021
Amitabh Thakur was compulsorily retired from service by the Union Home Ministry on March 23, 2021, on the grounds that he was “unfit to be retained” in public interest.
According to official records, had he continued in service, he would have remained in service until 2028.
Allegations of Delay and Pending Dues
The former IPS officer has alleged that disciplinary proceedings have been pending for nearly 10 years, despite his responses to show-cause notices.
He also claimed that his retirement dues, including approximately ₹10 lakh in gratuity, are still pending due to the unresolved proceedings.
Supreme Court’s Direction on Timeline
During the hearing, Thakur’s counsel urged the court to direct completion of proceedings within three months. However, the bench granted a slightly extended timeline and ordered closure within six months.
The court’s direction aims to ensure timely resolution of long-pending administrative and disciplinary matters involving the former officer.
Service History and Administrative Disputes
Thakur’s service career has been marked by frequent disputes and friction with successive state governments, which have been part of multiple administrative proceedings over the years.
The Supreme Court’s latest order is expected to bring clarity and closure to one of the longest-running disciplinary cases involving a former IPS officer.
The Supreme Court’s directive puts responsibility on both the Centre and Uttar Pradesh government to expedite pending inquiries and resolve all disciplinary matters against Amitabh Thakur within a fixed timeline of six months.
About the Case
Amitabh Thakur is a retired Indian Police Service officer whose service record has been under multiple departmental inquiries. The case involves long-pending disciplinary proceedings and issues related to retirement benefits and administrative clearance.
