Delhi High Court Dismisses PIL Challenging Appointment Of UP IAS Officer Instrumental In Lodging FIRs Against SP Leader Azam Khan

The Delhi High Court recently dismissed a PIL challenging the alleged illegal deputation and subsequent extensions of Uttar Pradesh IAS officer Aunjaneya Kumar Singh.

Singh came to limelight for lodging over 60 FIRs against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan and his son Abdullah Khan.

A Division Bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora said public interest litigation is not maintainable in service matters and only non-appointees can assail the legality of the appointment or extension of the successful candidate/officer.

The PIL filed by one Vijay Kumar sought consideration of his representation against Singh's deputation in the year 2015 and subsequent extensions, allegedly made in contradiction to Rule 6 (2) (ii) of the Indian Administrative Service Cadre Rule, 1954.

Notably, Kumar had written to various governmental bodies, including the Department of Personnel & Training, the Central Vigilance Commission, and the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim, as well as the Union Public Service Commission, the Prime Minister, the President, and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Citing the stipulations outlined in Rule 6 (2) (ii), Kumar's plea underscored, "in any case as per available norms the deputation period never be in any case 8 years and 6 months has granted an available to the above named Sh. Aunjaneya Kumar Singh IAS Sikkim 2005, which is beyond the policies."

The petition further emphasized the need for an inquiry and vigilance to uncover any misappropriation or wrongful practices, particularly in high-ranking posts and the IAS Cadre.

Counsel/s for the Petitioner: Advocates Anuj Kumar Garg, Vipin Kumar and Parul Verma

Counsel/s for UOI: Advocates Arjun Mahajan, Jitendra Kumar Tripathi, Neha Rai and Rishabh Bhalla

Case Title: Vijay Kumar v Union of India & Ors

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Del) 499

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