The Hyderabad bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal on Friday refused to grant interim relief sought by IAS officer Naveen Mittal, former Hyderabad district collector and current Special commissioner of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, in connection with a charge memo issued on him by the state government.
Naveen Mittal approached the tribunal challenging the memo, which stated that disciplinary proceedings be initiated against Mittal for his alleged involvement in regularising prime lands and buildings in the city in favour of private parties.
The government had issued the memo on Oct 23, 2012 by referring to several decisions taken by him as the collector of Hyderabad district, and charging that his decisions had caused huge losses to the state. The official argued that he had done his duty as per the laid down rules and procedures and in accordance with the courts orders.
He blamed his successor, N Gulzar, who prepared the draft charges at the behest of the state government and urged the tribunal to grant an interim order by staying the charge memo.
Manjula, counsel representing the government, objected to the plea and said the charge memo was issued in October 2012 and the officer moved the tribunal after three months The bench comprising Justice P Swaroop Reddy, vice chairman of the tribunal and P K Basu, member administration, refused to pass the interim order and directed the state government to file its counter affidavit within four weeks.