Kochi: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has annulled the appointment of Dr B Ashok, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department, as the State Local Self-Government Reforms Commission Chairman.

The order was issued by the Ernakulam Bench, comprising Justice Sunil Thomas and V Rama Mathew, in response to a petition filed by Ashok himself, alleging that the appointment was in violation of service rules. The tribunal cancelled the government order issued on January 9.

Following the verdict, Ashok may continue to serve as the Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department and as Agricultural Production Commissioner. The tribunal accepted the petitioner’s argument that the appointment violated provisions of the All India Services (Cadre) Rules, 1954, which require the officer’s consent when being transferred from a cadre post to a deputation post.

The tribunal further observed that the action of the State Government was in breach of both the IAS cadre rules and deputation norms.