Akhil Chaudhary Debarment Case: MHA Clears Who Should Be At The Wheel, IPS Officers Must Stop Treating Service As Corporate Job

Akhil Chaudhary, an IPS of the 2012 batch belonging to the Punjab cadre and presently serving AIG Chandigarh, has been debarred from central deputation and foreign assignment by the centre for five years. But this was not ordinary debarment; quite an interesting trail of communications followed up, which throws a glaring light on Police Services becoming Corporate services.

Chaudhary had given his "specific willingness for CBI in his request dated 8th August 2024. However, after two months, i.e. 4th October 2024, MHA issued an order appointing Chaudhary as SP in BPR&D, to which Chaudhary disinclined and didn't join the central deputation. On 3rd January this year, Punjab's Home Department shot a letter to MHA clarifying its position on Chaudhary's disclination and requested that no adverse action such as debarment  should be taken against Chaudhary. 

The letter states, "Akhil Chaudhary, IPS (PB:2012) Assistant Inspector General of Police, Personnel-II, Punjab, Chandigarh, had given specific willingness for central deputation in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)only based on his interest/inclination/aptitude for investigation work and vacancies at SP  level."

The letter further states that "Neither, he had given any general willingness nor this office had recommended his name for central deputation to be considered in "Offer list". The State Government had also not recommended to MHA for considering the name of the said officer in "Offer list".

Power corridors reacting to this development refer to the rule being settled in cases of central deputation; DOPT has been following debarment policy for years. This was clarified in DOP&T's  Additional Secretary's letter inviting officers to central deputation in PSUs under various ministries last December. Even the Supreme Court also delved into this when deciding the Nagaland DGP appointment issue when the question of consent and willingness to take up posts in the centre and even at the senior level arose.

The All India Service Rule does not require an officer's consent. A top source said there is "no scope to express unwillingness. "There is no such rule of choice for officers in terms of postings." While some space to manoeuvre or a discount can be given at the senior level and to officers serving in sensitive positions, it is an unhealthy practice for young officers as it restricts their ability to familiarize themselves and learn.

"Young IPS should not become selective in central deputation prospects. If in some circumstance they don't get preferred posting, they should try to learn and explore, which could help broaden their perspective", a top source added. Another senior officer in MHA  said, "These young officers don't want to learn and broaden their experience pool. They live in a world thrilled by power and limelight.".

Young IPS officers should align with their duty instead of corporatizing the prestigious All India Service with their whims and fancies. It's crucial for them to understand that the ultimate judge of competence is the government,  not their personal judgement, which often has more fiction  than  reality.