UP Government Reinstates IAS Officer Abhishek Prakash After One-Year Suspension; Departmental Inquiry to Continue
The UP government has reinstated IAS officer Abhishek Prakash after a year-long suspension in a solar project bribery case. While the High Court quashed proceedings against a co-accused, the departmental inquiry against Prakash will continue.
The Uttar Pradesh government has reinstated senior IAS officer Abhishek Prakash nearly a year after his suspension over corruption allegations. According to an official order issued on Saturday, Prakash will resume duty from March 15, though the departmental inquiry against him will continue.
Suspension Over Solar Project Bribery Allegations
Prakash, a 2006-batch IAS officer, was suspended on March 20, 2025, while serving as CEO of Invest UP. He was subsequently attached to the Board of Revenue.
The suspension followed a complaint by Ferozpur-based businessman Vishwajit Datta of SAEL Solar P6 Pvt Ltd, who alleged that he was asked to pay a 5% bribe of the project cost to establish a solar power plant in Uttar Pradesh. The alleged demand was reportedly conveyed through businessman Nikant Jain, said to be acting at Prakash’s behest.
High Court Quashes Case Against Businessman
In February 2026, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court quashed criminal proceedings against Jain, who had been booked on charges of extortion and corruption in the proposed solar project.
The court observed that no prima facie offence was made out. During the proceedings, the complainant also clarified that the complaint had arisen due to a misunderstanding and confirmed that no money had been exchanged.
Departmental Inquiry Will Continue
The complaint was originally submitted to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in March 2025, prompting the state government to initiate an investigation and suspend Prakash.
At the time, the government noted that his presence in office could affect investor confidence and hinder the implementation of the UP Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Policy 2022. A criminal case was also registered by Lucknow Police.
While the government has now reinstated the officer, officials confirmed that the departmental probe into the allegations remains active and will continue independently of the High Court’s decision.
The reinstatement of Abhishek Prakash marks a significant development in a case that has drawn attention to governance and investor confidence in Uttar Pradesh. Although the High Court has quashed proceedings against a co-accused, the continuation of the departmental inquiry underscores the government’s cautious approach in handling corruption allegations against senior officers.
