Central Administrative Court lifts suspension of IPS officer

HYDERABAD: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Hyderabad, has lifted the suspension of IPS officer AB Venkateswara Rao and directed the Andhra Pradesh government and authorities concerned to reinstate him with immediate effect with full pay and allowances.

Rao’s suspension followed allegations of irregularities in the purchase of surveillance equipment, which led to the Andhra Pradesh ACB registering a case against him.

Despite previous legal battles, including a CAT verdict against him, a recent Telangana High Court decision overturned the CAT order, prompting the AP government to challenge it in the Supreme Court.

After a protracted legal battle that spanned more than two years, the Supreme Court dismissed the government’s petition on the grounds that a member of the armed forces cannot remain suspended for more than two years. As a result, Rao’s suspension was lifted and he was reinstated by the government. However, this reinstatement was short-lived as he was suspended again for similar reasons and criminal proceedings were pending against him.

Rao challenged this subsequent ban before the CAT. On his behalf, the senior advocate argued that the state government’s decision to suspend Rao again on the same grounds despite the Supreme Court’s directions was illegal, arbitrary and violative of Rao’s fundamental rights.

However, the AP government, represented by Advocate General S Sriram, defended its action citing Section 3(3) of the All India Services Rules, which purportedly empowers it to suspend an MoS until the courts deliver a final verdict on criminal charges. Additionally, Sriram accused Rao of trying to influence witnesses, further justifying the suspension.

After hearing both sides, the CAT bench had reserved its bench on April 29 and the same was pronounced in favor of Rao on Wednesday.