Overview

• On September 16, the tribunal deferred the government’s September 15 order posting B. Ashok as Principal Secretary, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, and listed the case for September 23.
• The bench confirmed that its earlier interim stay remains, which had halted his transfer to KTDFC and directed he continue as Principal Secretary (Agriculture) and Agriculture Production Commissioner.
• The tribunal observed the new posting appeared to sidestep its directions and warned the state that such conduct could invite stern consequences.
• The Kerala government has urged dismissal of Ashok’s petition, maintaining it acted within the IAS Cadre and Pay Rules in issuing the transfers.
• The September 15 order also named Tinku Biswal to the Local Self-Governments post and mentioned other cadre options for Ashok, moves now effectively on hold pending the tribunal’s decision.