Karnataka CAT grants interim relief to ADGP Alok Kumar, halts departmental inquiry

In a significant development, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Bengaluru, has stayed the departmental inquiry against Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Alok Kumar. The inquiry was ordered by Karnataka’s Chief Secretary following a notice issued on May 9 related to a 2019 telephone conversation audio leak case.

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The CAT observed that Alok Kumar, a senior IPS officer with an exemplary record of integrity and dedication, was being unnecessarily targeted during a crucial phase of his career. The tribunal emphasized the need to protect honest officers like him from undue harassment. Alok Kumar challenged the notice, describing the inquiry as baseless and unnecessary.

Earlier, on May 6, the government clarified under the Right to Information (RTI) that no pending departmental inquiry exists against him. Additionally, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which had investigated the audio leak case, submitted a closure report stating there was no evidence against Alok Kumar. The Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate also accepted this report as satisfactory.

This inquiry notice surfaced just days before Alok Kumar’s name was recommended by the Departmental Promotion Committee for the prestigious post of Director General of Police (DGP), Karnataka. His legal team argued that the notice issued under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, aimed to unjustly block his promotion.

Legal experts questioned the timing and motive behind reopening a previously closed case. They highlighted that such unwarranted actions damage the morale of officers committed to public service. Justice BK Srivatsav, a member of the CAT bench, recognized the seriousness of the case and ordered that the notice be stayed until the next hearing on June 10. This ruling provides temporary relief to Alok Kumar and underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding honest officials from administrative harassment. The matter will be reviewed further by a divisional bench on the scheduled date.