Special Correspondent, Duranta TV:-
Ramayana Written Before Lord Ram Was Born!
Reappointment Before the Order: “Legal Loopholes, Administrative Silence and the Politics of Reappointments”
Using legal loopholes, one reappointment after another is allegedly being made, along with allegations of corruption. Whose interests are being served by these appointments? Where is the legal loophole? Why are retired officials being reappointed repeatedly? Here are the details.
At a time when repeated reappointments of retired bureaucrats are raising questions in administrative and political circles, a fresh controversy has emerged surrounding former IAS officer Anindya Kumar Bhattacharjee, who has reportedly been reappointed seven times after retirement.
According to Notification No. F.35(27)-GA(P&T)/95(P-I), issued by the GA (P&T) Department on October 22, 2025, Anindya Kumar Bhattacharjee was reappointed as Special Secretary. However, the same notification states that his appointment would take effect from October 15, 2025, eight days before the order was issued.
This has raised serious questions in administrative circles: How can a person be reappointed before the official order is issued? Critics have remarked that it is like “writing the Ramayana before the birth of Lord Ram.”
According to some experts in appointment and service rules, appointments or reappointments generally cannot be made retrospective unless there is a specific order or direction from a competent court. Sources claim that no such court order in the case of Anindya Kumar Bhattacharjee has yet come to light. Therefore, questions are being raised regarding the legal basis of this reappointment.
Administrative experts say that serving government employees are subject to the Central Civil Services (CCS) Rules, under which suspension, departmental proceedings and disciplinary actions can be taken. However, in the case of retired and reappointed officials, the direct application of these rules is often limited.
On the other hand, allegations of corruption can be investigated under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA). However, according to some experts, disciplinary actions such as suspension under CCS Rules cannot always be applied in such cases. This has raised questions regarding accountability.
Experts further point out that IAS and TCS services are not specialist professions like cardiology, where a particular individual must be retained because of unique expertise. Therefore, questions are being raised as to why retired officers are repeatedly being given important responsibilities despite the availability of several senior serving IAS officers in the state.
According to a section of the administrative community, many service rules applicable to serving employees do not apply in the same manner to reappointed retired officials. While departmental proceedings and disciplinary actions can be initiated against serving officers, such measures become limited in the case of retired individuals.
It is also alleged that there are legal limitations in initiating departmental proceedings against retired officials. Although corruption cases may be investigated under the Prevention of Corruption Act, many service-rule-based penalties under CCS Rules do not apply. Critics claim that this legal and administrative gap is being used to facilitate repeated reappointments.
Administrative sources state that reappointing a retired officer generally requires approval from the concerned department, the GA (P&T) Department, the Finance Department, the concerned minister, the Cabinet and Confidential Department, the Chief Secretary, and finally the Chief Minister.
Therefore, questions are being raised as to how a legally controversial retrospective reappointment received approval after passing through so many administrative levels.
According to some experts, if there was no court order permitting such reappointment, then the role of the GA (P&T) Department, Finance Department, Cabinet and Confidential Department, senior officials, and even the Chief Secretary of the state should be examined immediately.
Experts believe that the government should conduct an impartial inquiry to determine whether any administrative or personal interests were involved in such retrospective appointments. If any irregularities or collusion are established, appropriate legal and departmental action should be taken against those responsible.
Observers believe that such incidents may create legal complications in courts in the future and may also affect the image of the government.
Critics further argue that IAS and TCS services are not specialist professions like doctors or cardiologists, where only a few individuals possess the necessary expertise. They question why retired officers are repeatedly being appointed to important positions despite the presence of several experienced serving officers in the state.
According to these critics, one reason behind such appointments is that CCS Rules do not fully apply to retired officers. As a result, suspension and departmental proceedings become difficult. At most, the Prevention of Corruption Act may apply. Since service rules do not operate in the same way, some critics argue that the fear of disciplinary action is significantly reduced.
According to them, this legal loophole is being used to repeatedly reappoint retired officials.
Now it remains to be seen whether the administration initiates any inquiry or review based on the allegations, documents and information brought to the government’s notice.
“Keep an eye out for the next episode… The serial episodes will feature quite a few thrilling facts. Each episode will cover B.K. Sahu, Atanu Deoyanji, Abhishek Chandra, Nepal Babu, Shantanu, JK & AK Story, Brijesh Pandey issue, 9 China Drone Issue, Fake Salary transfer issue, Belonia to Jirania via Khayerpur ADC Land issue, Dhaleshwar Flat, Pune Farm House, Kolkata Non Register Flat, Flight Double Bill (TA), Four Month no work Salary, and many More….”
This is Part one. To Be Continue..