The Telangana High Court on Friday questioned the maintainability of a petition challenging the appointment of senior IPS officers to key administrative posts traditionally held by IAS officers.
Justice EV Venugopal asked the petitioner, advocate Vadla Srikanth, to explain how he was personally aggrieved by the state government’s decision. Observing that a writ petition requires a clear locus standi, the court directed him to implead any directly affected individuals, if any, in the matter. The case has been adjourned to April 15 for further hearing.
Petition Challenges September 2025 Government Order
The plea contests a September 2025 government order that appointed senior IPS officers to top administrative roles. As per the order, Stephen Ravindra was named Commissioner of Civil Supplies and ex-officio Principal Secretary to the government, Shikha Goel was appointed Director General of Vigilance and Enforcement and ex-officio Principal Secretary, and CV Anand was designated Special Chief Secretary in the Home Department.
The petitioner argued that these appointments allegedly violate the IAS (Cadre) Rules and the IAS (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Amendment Regulations, 2016. He sought directions from the court to set aside the appointments and direct the state government to fill the posts with IAS officers.
Earlier Notices Issued to State Officials
At a previous hearing, Justice Surepally Nanda had issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary of the General Administration Department, asking them to respond to the allegations raised in the petition.
The case has sparked debate over inter-service appointments and the interpretation of cadre rules governing senior bureaucratic positions in Telangana.
