Bengaluru: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has quashed the departmental inquiry (DE) ordered by the Karnataka state government against senior IPS officer Alok Kumar in connection with the phone tapping and Bhaskar Rao audio leak case. The ruling provides significant relief to Alok Kumar, with the CAT ordering that his withheld promotion and departmental benefits be reinstated.

What is the Case?

The phone tapping scandal first gained prominence in 2019 during the tenure of former Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy. The state government, during the Congress-JDS coalition, ordered a departmental enquiry (DE) against Alok Kumar regarding the Bhaskar Rao audio leak incident. Alok Kumar subsequently challenged this order before the CAT. Lava Bold N1 5G (Royal Blue, 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage) |Bigger 6.75" HD+ Notch Display | Octacore 5G Processor | 13 MP AI Camera |5000 mAh Battery| IP54 Rated Dust & Water Splash Proof

The CAT, following extensive hearings, has now cancelled the state government's departmental inquiry order. Furthermore, in its final judgment, the tribunal ordered the government to grant him the promotion and other departmental facilities that were put on hold.

The verdict, delivered by Justice Ranjeet Singh, is a major victory for Alok Kumar, who currently holds the rank of ADGP. The order copy of the judgment will be submitted to the state government in the coming days. The CAT's decision provides substantial relief to the senior IPS officer, following a case that had created considerable controversy. Also Read: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's Viral Tweet on Bengaluru's Road Conditions: What is the Government's Response?!