Centre seeks transfer of IFS officer's case to Delhi Bench of CAT

Centre has sought transfer of hearing of a petition challenging present system of empanelment and lateral entry at level of joint secretary in Union government from Allahab bench to Delhi bench of Central ministrative Tribunal.According to documents available with PTI, Centre moved an application before CAT Chairman Justice L Narasimhan Reddy on October 13 seeking transfer of hearing.

petition was filed by Haldwani-based Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjiv Chaturvedi earlier this year. plea challenges present system of empanelment, "360-degree appraisals" and lateral entry to joint secretary level at Centre.

"360-degree appraisals" implies assessment by peers, subordinates and seniors.According to petition, a joint parliamentary committee h also found system lacking transparency in 2017.

move by Centre has surprised legal experts who say individuals do seek transfer of a case from one bench of a tribunal to ar as per ir convenience but governments do t usually do so.A recipient of Magsaysay Award, Chaturvedi has reputation of being a whistle-blower who uncovered graft rackets at All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, during his tenure as its Chief Vigilance Officer from 2012 to 2014.

"A government approaching tribunal for transfer of a case is very rare. According to Constitution, India is a Union of States and it should t matter to government wher a case is being heard in Delhi or Allahab," said ex-secretary general of Uttarakhand High Court Bar Association, Nainital Sandeep Tiwari.

move seems all more meaningless given fact that virtual hearings are being conducted due to coronavirus pandemic and locations have become immaterial, he said.

On September 3, Allahab bench of CAT h issued a tice to UPSC and Union government, giving m 10 days to file objections to maintainability of Chaturvedi's petition and fixed September 22 as next date of hearing into case.

However, y could t file ir objections and tribunal's Allahab bench set October 15 as next date of hearing in case. Meanwhile, Centre moved application before CAT Chairman seeking transfer of case to Delhi.