The unprecedented move by the Centre to issue showcause notice to Alapan Bandyopadhyay for failure to report to the DoPT yesterday has sparked a debate on whether or not the Centre is authorised to act against IAS officers, who are deployed under the State administration. The crux of the debate lies in the interpretation of Rule 7 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.
Rule 7 lays down who has the authority to institute proceedings and impose a penalty against IAS officers in such cases. It is clearly stated in the rule that the authority to initiate proceedings will lie with the state government if the officer is serving in connection with the affairs of the State.
Credits : Hindustan Times
