In a pointed observation, the Supreme Court on Wednesday highlighted a systemic issue where Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers purportedly assert dominance over their Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFS) counterparts. The remarks were made during a scrutiny of the misappropriation of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds in Uttarakhand, intended for afforestation and forest conservation efforts.
Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih noted that from their tenure as government pleaders and judges, it was evident that IAS officers often regard themselves superior to IPS and IFS officers, leading to widespread discontent within these services. “In my experience as a government pleader for three years and a judge for 22 years, I can tell you IAS officers want to show their supremacy over IPS and IFS officers… There is always a conflict in all states… There is always heartburning amongst the IPS and IFS that though they are part of the same cadre, why should the IAS treat them as superiors,” Justice Gavai was quoted by ANI.
The bench also voiced serious concerns over the misuse of CAMPA funds for inadmissible expenditures, such as the purchase of iPhones and laptops. The apex court has directed the chief secretary of Uttarakhand to submit an affidavit clarifying these expenditures. The court stressed that these funds should strictly be used to enhance green cover and that their misuse, coupled with the failure to deposit accrued interest, constitutes a severe malpractice.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, present during the proceedings, assured the court that efforts would be made to address these inter-service conflicts.
