Contempt Notice to DoPT Secretary Over IFS Officer Empanelment Dispute

The Uttarakhand High Court issued a contempt notice to Dr Vivek Joshi, Secretary of DoPT, for allegedly defying an order concerning the empanelment of IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi. Chaturvedi, recognized for his outstanding service, claims a sustained campaign against him for his integrity.

The Uttarakhand High Court has taken a decisive step by issuing a contempt notice to Dr Vivek Joshi, Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), accusing him of deliberately defying a court order related to the empanelment of an Indian Forest Service officer.

Justice Alok Kumar Verma spearheaded this move through a notice dated October 23, taking action on a plea filed by IFS officer Sanjiv Chaturvedi. Chaturvedi alleged that the DoPT had willfully ignored the court's directive regarding his appointment.

The saga stretches back to September when a division bench asked the Central government to present Chaturvedi's empanelment documents as a joint secretary. Despite his noteworthy credentials and favorable judicial remarks about his service, Chaturvedi claims a relentless campaign against his integrity and service.

(With inputs from agencies.)