Shimla: Himachal Pradesh police have registered an FIR against retired chief secretary and former Rera chairman Shrikant Baldi following a defamation complaint lodged by former state chief secretary Sanjay Gupta. The complaint alleges that Baldi made false, malicious, and defamatory statements against Gupta through press releases and media dissemination.
Details of the FIR
The FIR was registered on May 30 under sections 248 (false charge with intent to injure), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 356(2) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, by the Shimla East police station. Efforts to contact Baldi for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Background of the Complainant and Accused
Gupta, a 1988-batch IAS officer, retired as chief secretary on May 31 and assumed the role of chairman of the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission on June 3. Baldi, a 1985-batch officer, served as Rera chairman from January 2020 until December 2024.
Allegations Made by Baldi
According to the complaint, Baldi accused Gupta of passing illegal orders, exceeding his jurisdiction, misusing official powers, and favouring developers of a housing project in Solan district. Gupta denied these allegations as baseless and misleading, asserting that all his decisions were within his lawful administrative and statutory authority.
Gupta's Rebuttal
The complaint further alleged that Baldi described Gupta as an officer of "doubtful integrity." Gupta countered that this claim lacks evidence and was intended to undermine public confidence in a serving chief secretary. He emphasized that he had maintained clean vigilance and integrity clearances throughout his career. Gupta also alleged that Baldi attempted to portray routine official decisions as "corruptly motivated" while concealing decisions Baldi himself made regarding the Solan project during his tenure at Rera.
Gupta's Demand for Investigation
Gupta has requested a fair and expeditious investigation. The FIR stated, "The matter concerns false public allegations against the highest civil servant of the state. Failure to act promptly would embolden malicious public targeting of constitutional offices, undermine discipline in public discourse, and set an unhealthy precedent of reputational attacks through media trials."
Other Complaints
On two other complaints filed by Gupta, the Shimla East police station has registered separate FIRs: one on May 30 against high court advocate Vinay Sharma, and another on May 31 against Yudh Chand Bains of Mandi. Both were registered under sections 248, 351, and 356(2) of the BNS, 2023.
