Government in no mood to appoint Infant DG&IGP

To move High Court against Central Administrative Tribunal order

The battle for the State police chief’s job rages on as the government is in no mood to appoint A R Infant the ad hoc Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG-IGP) as directed by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).

The government has two options: obey the CAT order and replace the incumbent Shankar Bidari with Infant, or approach the High Court seeking a stay on the order.

S M Jaamdar, Principal Secretary, Home, confirmed to Deccan Herald on Saturday that the government will, in all probability, appeal against the CAT order.

According to Jaamdar, the government would evaluate all options and seek legal opinion after receiving a copy of the 74-page CAT order on Monday. “We will go for an appeal (against the CAT order) at the earliest. We are looking into all legal options,” Jaamdar said.

When asked whether Infant would be appointed ad hoc DG&IGP as per the CAT order, Jaamdar said the government would have “sufficient time” to appeal.

Minister not available

Home Minister R Ashoka was not available for comment as he stayed put in Kodagu after returning from campaigning for the Udupi-Chikmagalur by-election scheduled for Sunday.

Meanwhile, Infant, on whose appeal the CAT set aside Bidari’s appointment as DG&IGP on Friday, filed a caveat before the High Court on Saturday.

“My lawyers have moved the caveat. I have stressed that the court should hear my side before deciding the matter,” Infant said.

Declines to comment

Bidari, who had earlier told this newspaper about his intention to approach the High Court, refused to comment this time around.

Earlier, he had claimed that the Sadashivaiah Commission had not indicted him for any human rights violations as claimed by Infant.

He had even contested the legality of the Commission.

“The constitution, the proceedings, and the findings of the Commission are in violation of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993,” Bidari had said earlier.
He attended office on Saturday as usual and remained in the office till evening.

The CAT order has stirred a debate among senior IPS officers. “It is a known fact that there are two factions in the police force — one favouring Bidari and the other working against him. Those who dislike him termed the CAT verdict a lesson. But Bidari’s supporters say he is the most suitable officer for the post, given his workaholic nature and reputation. The focus of the debate, however, is on the government’s move and Bidari’s future course of action,” a senior officer, who worked with Bidari in various capacities, said.

The officer further said Bidari accepted challenges boldly. He will never resign, but obey the order and discharge his duties in whatever position offered to him.
He would use his political clout and pressure the government to challenge the CAT verdict, he added.