Date:09/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/09/stories/2009010955420400.htm

Kerala - Kochi

IAS officer moves CAT

Kochi: Suspended IAS officer K. Suresh Kumar on Thursday approached the Central Administrative Tribunal, Ernakulam Bench, challenging his suspension.

Mr. Suresh Kumar is now Managing Director of the State Cooperative Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. He was placed under suspension for criticising the functioning of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

In his application, Mr. Suresh Kumar said the views allegedly attributed to him did not have the effect of an adverse criticism of the CMO. He had criticised only the conduct of the private secretary and political secretary of the Chief Minster who were not civil servants. They were only temporary staff at the CMO. So, his actions did not constitute misconduct as contemplated under Rule 7 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules. Besides, the Rules did not provide for suspending an officer before drawing up charges against him. He was suspended without giving him an opportunity for explanation.