Supreme Court Slams Centre for Vendetta Against IRS Officer, Orders Fresh Selection with ₹5 Lakh Cost
Court Finds Repeated Obstruction of Appointment to ITAT Was Mala Fide
Judges Stress Independence of Institutions Must Be Protected from Bureaucratic Vendetta
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 31, 2026:
In a scathing judgment, the Supreme Court of India has accused the Centre of engaging in “institutional vendetta” against a senior IRS officer by deliberately obstructing his appointment as Member (Accountant) of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT). Despite multiple recommendations by selection committees and repeated court orders, the officer’s appointment was stalled for over a decade. The apex court described the government’s conduct as vindictive, high-handed, and marked by procrastination, imposing ₹5 lakh costs and directing a fresh selection process.
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Background of the Case
- The petitioner, Captain Pramod Kumar Bajaj, a former Army officer who later joined the IRS, was recommended for appointment to the ITAT as early as 2014.
- Despite repeated recommendations by duly constituted Search-cum-Selection Committees (SCSC), his appointment was blocked.
- The officer had earlier initiated contempt proceedings against a senior bureaucrat, who later sat on the selection committee, raising concerns of bias.
- The Supreme Court found this to be a clear case of vendetta, where bureaucratic power was misused to obstruct a legitimate appointment.
Key Highlights of the Judgment
- Fresh selection ordered: The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) must convene a new selection committee within four weeks.
- Exclusion of biased members: The Court directed that officials previously involved in contempt proceedings against the petitioner must not be part of the committee.
- ₹5 lakh costs imposed: The Union Government was penalized for its mala fide conduct and prolonged obstruction.
- Judicial independence reinforced: The Court stressed that bureaucratic vendetta undermines the credibility of institutions and must be checked.
Broader Legal and Social Implications
- Strengthening institutional integrity: The ruling highlights the need to protect independent bodies like ITAT from political or bureaucratic interference.
- Message to bureaucracy: Arbitrary obstruction of appointments will not be tolerated by the judiciary.
- Public confidence in judiciary: The judgment reassures citizens that courts will intervene against misuse of power.
- Impact on future appointments: The case sets a precedent for transparency and fairness in selection processes across tribunals.
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Expert Opinions
Legal experts hailed the judgment as a landmark in administrative law, noting that it exposes how bureaucratic vendetta can derail careers and weaken institutions. Senior advocates emphasized that tribunals like ITAT play a crucial role in tax justice, and their independence must be safeguarded.
Practical Advice for Citizens
- Trust judicial remedies: Courts remain a strong safeguard against misuse of power.
- Understand tribunal importance: Bodies like ITAT ensure speedy resolution of tax disputes and must remain independent.
- Demand transparency: Citizens should support reforms in appointment processes to prevent bias and vendetta.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling against the Centre in the IRS officer’s case is a powerful reminder that bureaucratic vendetta cannot override justice. By ordering a fresh selection and imposing costs, the Court has reinforced the principle of fairness, transparency, and independence in appointments to judicial and quasi-judicial bodies. This judgment will likely influence future cases, ensuring that merit and law prevail over bias and vendetta.
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