The Kejriwal government on Thursday evening removed the secretary of the service department of the Delhi government.
Responding to his superiors, Rajasekhar said he was “being prevented from performing his duties” and feared “serious danger and defacement of records” relating to sensitive matters such as excise policy and renovation of the chief minister’s residence.
Amid growing tussle between bureaucrats and the Delhi cabinet, the AAP government has asked Special Secretary (Vigilance) YVVJ Rajasekhar to withdraw all work probing alleged corruption in the renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bungalow.
Responding to his superiors, Rajasekhar said he was “being prevented from performing his duties” and feared “serious danger and defacement of records” related to sensitive matters such as excise policy and renovation of the Chief Minister’s residence. He also requested that the matter be taken to the High Court for a stay.
Delhi’s Vigilance Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj on 13 May ordered withdrawal of all assignments assigned to the officer with immediate effect, citing complaints against Rajasekhar for “running an extortion racket and demanding protection money”. Sources said Rajasekhar is the vigilance officer probing the alleged Delhi liquor scam and renovation of Delhi chief minister’s bungalow. He is also probing the demolition of a heritage monument by Udit Prakash, the then CEO of Delhi Jal Board, to build a huge bungalow for himself.
When contacted, the official confirmed receiving the note.
“I have sent the report to my superiors regarding the honorable minister’s note. Rajasekhar said, the rest is God’s wish. Examined in detail… Therefore, all assignments assigned to Rajasekhar are hereby withdrawn. “The same may be circulated among the ADs and the ADs shall report directly to the Secretary (Vigilance). The ADs should submit the files directly to the Secretary (Vigilance). This is for immediate compliance till further orders,” it said.
The minister also distributed Rajasekhar’s work among assistant directors (ADs) in the vigilance department, with special instructions to the ADs to report directly to the secretary (vigilance) and submit files.
Sources said Bhardwaj had also directed that records be seized from the senior IAS officer’s room.
The IAS officer, who is holding the charge of Special Secretary (Vigilance) with the additional charge of Special Secretary (Services), said he is “a member of the IAS and is protected under Rule 311 of the Constitution of India and under Rule 7 are also protected.” IAS (Cadre Rules 1954)”.
He said in his reply, “No one can deny the rights which a civil servant/public servant has under the rule to which he is entitled.” And the documents and records that are available on file, Rajasekhar underlined that vigilance inquiries are conducted as per set protocols and manuals prepared by the Central Vigilance Commission (VGC). “It is like mathematics and there is no scope for subjectivity while dealing with such cases, as the matter is filtered through due process established by law.
“The undersigned is being prevented from performing duties and I have apprehension of grave danger and defacement of records relating to sensitive matters like Excise matter, 6 Flag Staff Road, Civil Lines, DIP etc. It is requested that the matter may be looked into be brought.” of the High Court to stay the order issued by the Minister (Vigilance) vide his note dated 13.05.2023,” he said.
The senior IAS officer also urged that Sanjay Jain, ASG, along with Yoginder Handu may be permitted to engage as special counsel/briefing counsel before the High Court and, if necessary, refer the matter to the Supreme Court. Can also be brought to the notice. Senior advocate Harish Salve may be allowed to be inducted in the Supreme Court.
He has also submitted that such obstruction in the performance of duties amounts to indirect transfer of the undersigned from this Department, which is nothing but reversal of the Supreme Court’s judgment dated 31.10.2013, wherein the officer has only Can be transferred through consultation with the Civil Services Board. ,
“No one can do indirectly what they cannot do directly. The officer is also entitled to the rights which are conferred on him under the All India Services Cadre Rules i.e. Rule 7,” Rajasekhar said in his reply to the superiors. added in
The developments come after Kejriwal last week announced a major bureaucratic reshuffle in the coming days and warned of action against officials “creating obstructions” in public works. The Delhi government has issued show cause notices to the IAS officer and the secretary of the service department. Ashish More for not following his direction with a new officer in his place, threatening disciplinary action against him.
The Delhi government last week removed More from his post, hours after the Supreme Court gave the AAP government control over transfers and postings of officers in the state.
The apex court on Thursday ruled that the elected government in Delhi has legislative and executive powers over matters of the Services Department, except those relating to land, police and public order which still fall under the jurisdiction of the lieutenant governor.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)