Dehradun: In a recent development concerning the ongoing dispute within the Uttarakhand Forest Department, the state government has withdrawn the new assignment of senior Indian Forest Service officer (IFS) B.P. Gupta, directing him instead to represent the state before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).
The decision follows the Nainital High Court’s hearing on a petition challenging Gupta’s appointment as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF).
Background of the Uttarakhand IFS officer B.P. Gupta row
The issue stems from a petition filed against the appointment of B.P. Gupta (IFS, 1992 batch) as the PCCF and HoFF of Uttarakhand. The petitioner questioned the legality of Gupta’s appointment, prompting judicial scrutiny from the Nainital High Court.
The state government had earlier issued transfer orders assigning Gupta new responsibilities, which have now been put on hold until further orders.
High Court Hearing and Observations on Uttarakhand IFS officer B.P. Gupta row
During the hearing, the Nainital High Court, presided over by Justice Ravindra Maithani and Justice Alok Kumar Verma, examined the plea challenging Gupta’s appointment.
The court directed that the state’s side be properly represented before the Central Tribunal, emphasizing that any administrative reshuffle should not interfere with the ongoing judicial process.
The court observed that since the matter involved a senior cadre position in the Indian Forest Service, it required adherence to procedural and administrative fairness.
The state government accordingly issued orders ensuring that Gupta continues in his existing role until the tribunal delivers its verdict.
Uttarakhand IFS officer B.P. Gupta : Official Government Order
According to the official office order numbered 234-2/X-1-2025-14(01)/2023 T.C.O, issued by the Forest Department, Uttarakhand, on December 11, 2025, the government has revoked the recent transfer order issued on December 10, 2025 (Order No. 2337).
The order, signed by Additional Secretary Himanshu Khurana, explicitly states:
Who is IFS Officer B.P. Gupta
A 1992-batch IFS officer, B.P. Gupta has served in various capacities within the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Known for his long tenure and administrative expertise, Gupta has held key positions related to forest conservation, wildlife management, and departmental administration.
His appointment as PCCF (HoFF) was part of a recent reshuffle in the department’s senior hierarchy.
Government’s Stand and Legal Proceedings on Uttarakhand IFS officer B.P. Gupta Row
The Uttarakhand government has clarified that the order was issued to ensure fair representation in the ongoing CAT proceedings, which concern the challenge to Gupta’s appointment.
The High Court’s hearing did not annul the appointment but required the state to maintain status quo until the matter is fully adjudicated.
This legal tussle has highlighted the sensitive nature of senior appointments in the Indian Forest Service, where procedural challenges often intertwine with administrative decisions.
The High Court’s directive underscores the importance of maintaining institutional discipline and transparency.
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