Tribunal Flags Legal Irregularities in Appointment; Ashok to Remain Principal Secretary (Agriculture)
In a significant ruling, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has stayed the Kerala government’s order appointing senior IAS officer Dr. B. Ashok as Chairman and Managing Director of the Kerala Transport Development Finance Corporation (KTDFC).
As a result of the tribunal’s interim order, Dr. Ashok, who currently serves as Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department, will continue in that role until further directions are issued.
Background of the Appointment Order
In August 2025, the Kerala Government’s General Administration Department (GAD) issued an order appointing Dr. Ashok to head KTDFC.
However, Dr. Ashok challenged the order before the CAT, raising questions of legality and procedure surrounding the state government’s decision.
CAT’s Observations on the Appointment
In its observations, the tribunal noted the following:
The authority to depute an IAS officer to any post, including positions in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), lies exclusively with the Union Government, not the state.
Such deputation additionally requires the explicit consent of the officer concerned.
The Kerala government’s order was therefore legally unsustainable, as it amounted to an exercise of power not vested in the state under the All India Services (Cadre) Rules.
On this basis, the tribunal stayed the state government’s order.
Previous Legal Dispute Involving Dr. Ashok
This is not the first occasion where Dr. Ashok has contested a government posting before the CAT.
In January 2025, the Kerala government had appointed him as Chairman of the Local Self Government Reforms Commission, transferring him from his position as Agricultural Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary (Agriculture).
Dr. Ashok challenged the order, contending that the deputation was issued without his consent.
The CAT ruled in his favour, directing the government to retain him in the Agriculture Department and subsequently setting aside the state’s deputation order.
While affirming the government’s discretionary powers in making appointments, the tribunal underscored that deputations must strictly follow legal procedure and respect the officer’s consent.
Leave and Rejoining
Following the controversial KTDFC appointment, Dr. Ashok applied for leave. He is scheduled to rejoin duty on September 15, continuing in his present role as Principal Secretary (Agriculture).
