Himachal HC upholds extension for Prabodh Saxena after a clear and firm ruling on Friday. The court rejected the petition that challenged the six-month extension granted to the former Chief Secretary. Himachal HC upholds extension for Prabodh Saxena because the Centre, according to the Bench, acted within the limits of Rule 16 of the All India Services Rules.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma said the court would not intervene. They explained that the Union Government used its lawful discretion while approving the extension. Moreover, they noted that the state highlighted urgent administrative needs at the time.
Prabodh Saxena, a 1990-batch IAS officer, was set to retire on March 31. However, the Centre extended his service in March. After his extended tenure ended on September 30, the state appointed him Chairman of the HPSEB for three years.
Meanwhile, advocate Atul Sharma argued that the extension violated service rules and DoPT guidelines. He also claimed that vigilance clearance should not apply because Saxena faces charges in the INX Media case.
However, the Centre informed the court that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu requested a longer extension due to ongoing projects. After reviewing the situation, the Centre approved a six-month period.
With the petition dismissed, the legal challenge has now ended.
