The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Thursday expressed severe displeasure with Chief Commissioner of State Tax (CCST) Ahmed Babu for failing to comply with the court's directives regarding employee promotions. During the hearing of petitions filed by commercial tax department officials alleging suppression of promotions by Ahmed Babu, the court remarked that an IAS officer driven by prejudice should not be allowed to continue in service.
Court's Strong Remarks
Justice Battu Devanand, presiding over the case, stated, "We would have suspended him immediately if we had the authority." The petitioners, represented by senior counsel K S Murthy, alleged harassment and irregularities in tax collections by Ahmed Babu. Despite convening the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting, Ahmed Babu allegedly withheld the file to deny promotions, amounting to harassment of employees.
The High Court had previously directed Ahmed Babu to take necessary action on promotions as per the DPC recommendations. However, the orders were not implemented. Justice Devanand noted that Ahmed Babu showed no respect for the law or the court's directives. "We would request the Union government to conduct an inquiry into the allegations and dismiss him from service if evidence is found," the judge added.
Details of the Case
Referring to the conduct of DPCs in August and September last year, the court observed that promotions were withheld by suppressing files. "He is not doing any charity for the employees as promotion is their right. Will the IAS officers keep quiet if they are denied promotions? Why this differential treatment to the employees below?" questioned Justice Devanand. The High Court expressed displeasure that despite passing orders in December directing promotions, Ahmed Babu was pressing for another DPC, citing the end of the panel year. The court noted that this appeared to be a deliberate act to stall promotions and questioned why such officers were given postings.
Chief Secretary's Role Questioned
The High Court also found fault with the Chief Secretary for retaining Ahmed Babu in the same position despite serious allegations from employees. "What action did the Chief Secretary take on the representation given by the employees alleging harassment by Ahmed Babu?" asked Justice Devanand, while directing Advocate General Dammalapati Srinivas to submit details by Friday.
