Delhi govt says Centre not clearing senior IAS officer’s transfer, moves Supreme Court

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear Delhi government’s plea alleging the Union government was not clearing its decision to transfer a senior IAS officer despite a bench on Thursday upholding the powers of the government to control services (except those related to public order, police and land).

The Delhi government claimed in a statement that Ashish More “refused” to put up the file for the appointment of a new officer (AK Singh, IAS) to replace him. “Instead of putting up the file, he left the secretariat without informing the services minister’s office,” the statement added. Sources said More went on casual leave on Friday.

More was removed from the post secretary, services department, soon after the SC verdict on Thursday.
The plea was mentioned by senior advocate AM Singhvi before a bench of CJI DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narasimha. Singhvi requested that a division bench be formed at the earliest to hear the appeal.

“They (Centre) are saying we will not transfer anybody. I can file contempt in view of the judgment passed on Thursday. But it will take time,” Singhvi said. The CJI agreed to list the plea next week. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday told at a press conference that a major administrative reshuffle was in the offing as he warned action against officials who “obstructed” public works. He said that transfers would now be made on the basis of work the officers have done.