Telangana HC seeks explanation on IPS officers appointed to IAS cadre posts

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has sought a detailed explanation from the state government over its decision to appoint Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to senior administrative posts traditionally reserved for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre.

On Monday, Justice Surepally Nanda issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary of the General Administration Department (GAD), directing them to file counter-affidavits by December 10 outlining the legal basis and justification for the appointments.

The order came in response to a writ petition filed by Hyderabad-based lawyer and social activist Vadla Srikanth. Arguing on his behalf, advocate Vijay Gopal said the government’s actions, specifically those authorised under GO 1342 dated September 26, contravene Central laws that clearly distinguish the roles, responsibilities and hierarchy of the two All India Services in state governance.

The petition challenges the appointments of three senior IPS officers to posts usually held by IAS officers. Stephen Ravindra, IPS, is currently serving as Commissioner of Civil Supplies and ex-officio Principal Secretary. Shikha Goel, IPS, has been appointed Director General, Vigilance and Enforcement, and ex-officio Principal Secretary, GAD. Former Hyderabad Commissioner CV Anand, IPS, now holds the post of Special Chief Secretary, Home Department.

Gopal argued that such cross-cadre postings breach regulations including the IAS (Fixation of Cadre Strength) Regulations, 2016. 

He also referred to the recent Telangana phone-tapping controversy, asserting that such incidents highlight the need for administrative heads to remain independent of the police structure.

The practice of appointing IPS officers to Principal Secretary-level positions is understood to have begun during the previous BRS government’s tenure in 2014.

Appearing for the state, special government pleader Rahul Reddy, from the Additional Advocate General’s office, sought additional time to file a comprehensive response. Justice Nanda granted the request and adjourned the matter, with the government now required to submit its explanation before the next hearing on December 10.