Non-IAS officers, retired IAS officers must not be posted in cadre posts, says CAT
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Role of civil services· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) ruled that cadre posts designated by the Union government must be filled exclusively by IAS officers
Background
The Ernakulam Bench of CAT, presided over by Sunil Thomas and V. Rama Mathew, issued the ruling. The tribunal characterized the appointment of non-IAS personnel to cadre posts as a 'colourable exercise of executive functions' and closed contempt petitions against the Kerala government.
Facts for Prelims
- FactThe ruling applies to all posts designated as 'cadre posts' by the Union government.
- PostThe Ernakulam Bench of CAT presided over by Sunil Thomas and V. Rama Mathew.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of maintaining the integrity of the civil services cadre and the implications of 'colourable exercise of power' in administrative appointments.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Institutional integrity: Ensuring seniority and merit-based progression within the IAS cadre
- Executive overreach: Preventing the dilution of permanent civil service roles through irregular appointments
- Administrative consistency: Standardizing cadre post eligibility across Union and State governments
Keywords: colourable exercise of power · civil service integrity · administrative law · cadre management · quasi-judicial oversight
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