Hyderabad: A writ petition challenging the constitutional and legal validity of the Telangana government’s order (GO 1342) allowing IPS officers to occupy posts earmarked for the IAS cadre is expected to come up for hearing before a single-judge bench of the Telangana High Court on November 26.
The petition was filed on Tuesday by advocate and social activist Vadla Srikanth from Tarnaka, questioning the legality of GO 1342, issued by the General Administration (SPL.B) Department on September 26.
Petitioner Argues GO Violates IAS Cadre Rules
The petitioner contends that GO 1342 is in clear violation of the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, 1954, which regulate cadre postings within states.
According to the writ, the IAS and IPS are distinct All-India Services with different training, competencies, and functional roles:
- IAS training: Public administration, policy formulation, district and state-level governance, interaction with elected representatives.
- IPS training: Policing, law and order, crime prevention, and security management.
The petitioner argues that posting IPS officers to IAS-specific administrative roles undermines the specialised structure of the IAS and disturbs the cadre discipline established under the Constitution.
Recent IPS Postings Cited in the Petition
The writ petition highlights recent appointments made under the impugned GO, including –
C V Anand, IPS – Appointed as Special Chief Secretary (Home)
Shikha Goel, IPS – Appointed as Director-General, Vigilance & Enforcement & Ex-Officio Principal Secretary (GAD)
These appointments, the petitioner claims, demonstrate a pattern of IPS officers being placed in posts meant for IAS officers, prompting the legal challenge.
Chief Secretary, GAD Secretary Named as Respondents
The petitioner has arrayed the following as respondents –
- Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana
- Principal Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD)
The case is expected to be taken up for preliminary hearing on Wednesday before the Telangana High Court.
