BANGALORE: The High Court on Wednesday, while hearing two appeals challenging the order of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), called for consideration of character and basic qualities while making appointments for the post of DG & IGP.
The order had quashed the appointment of Shankar M Bidari as DG & IGP and directed the state to appoint DGP of Fire and Emergency Services A R Infant as the ad-hoc DG & IGP. Bidari and the state government had both filed an appeal challenging the CAT order.
Senior counsel for Bidari, Rajagopal, stated the CAT transgressed its jurisdiction. Nobody questioned Bidari’s recommendation while his name was sent to the UPSC empanelment committee, he added.
Also, the counsel cited, Bidari’s name did not figure in the report; the DGP was awarded the President’s medal twice and received promotions after submission of report in 2007.
Counsel for Infant said Bidari’s appointment was null and void as the state kept the UPSC in the dark about allegations. “Officers under him harassed women and were involved in human rights violations; since Bidari was the then in-charge, he has to take moral responsibility,” he said. Rajagopal added while the UPSC seeks a background verification dating back to 10 years, Bidari was the state STF chief almost 15 years ago.