The Punjab and Haryana High Court has delivered a major setback to the Punjab government by staying the promotion process for three vacant IAS posts. The court put a halt on recommendations made for 14 officers shortlisted from non-PCS positions.
The court also issued a notice to the Punjab government, seeking its response by January 22. It passed the order while hearing a petition filed by the Punjab Civil Services Executive Officers Association.
The petition challenged the government’s move to promote officers to the IAS cadre. The association argued that such promotions are allowed only in exceptional cases. It said proper assessment of merit and eligibility was missing.
According to the petition, a notice issued on March 3, 2025, invited applications from Group A officers. The notice was not published in newspapers. It was also not circulated widely among eligible officers. Only 32 applications were received.
A committee led by the Chief Secretary shortlisted 14 officers on June 19. Their names were forwarded to the UPSC on December 11. Petitioners alleged that most shortlisted officers came from the Water and Sanitation Department and the Excise and Taxation Department.
The plea also claimed that the selection criteria lacked transparency. It questioned how “exceptional merit” was defined. Allegations of favouritism were also raised.
The High Court restrained the government from taking further action until the matter is decided.
