Telangana HC suspends CAT Hyderabad order quashing appointment of BrahMos Director General
The Court directed the Union of India to file its response within four weeks
By - Newsmeter Network
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Hyderabad: In a significant development, the Telangana High Court suspended the order by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Hyderabad, which had quashed the appointment of Dr Jaiteerth R Joshi as Director General of BrahMos, the Indo-Russian joint venture.
The interim suspension provides major relief to Dr Joshi, allowing him to continue in his position pending further proceedings.
What is the case about?
The appointment of Dr Joshi as Director General of the Indo-Russian Joint Venture BrahMos was challenged before the CAT by Dr Sivasubramaniam Nambi Naidu, a scientist with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Dr Naidu, appearing through his Senior Counsel, contended that he had completed the required six-year residency period as an Outstanding Scientist by 2023, which was a qualitative requirement for appointment as Director General, and therefore, he was eligible for the position.
His primary objection centred on the fact that he had only 17 months of residual service remaining, whereas Dr Joshi had six years, arguing that this should not have been the determining factor in the selection process.
‘Mission requires sustained leadership’
Representing the Union of India, Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, and S Niranjan Reddy, Senior Counsel, appearing for Dr Joshi, argued that the significant difference in residual service period was crucial for BrahMos, which operates as a long-term strategic mission requiring sustained leadership.
The counsel emphasised that Dr Joshi’s six years of remaining service, compared to Dr Naidu’s 17 months, made him the more suitable candidate for this critical position. They further submitted that the appointment was made after due consideration by the competent appointing committee, which comprised the Secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and the Chairman of DRDO, both of whom possess discretionary powers for such appointments.
‘Dr Joshi’s appointment followed meticulous scrutiny’
The defence further elaborated that Dr Joshi, an Outstanding Scientist Grade H appointed in July 2023, fully met the eligibility criteria for the position.
They highlighted the sensitive nature of BrahMos as an Indo-Russian joint venture, with India holding 50.5 per cent shares and the Russian entity holding 49.5 per cent.
The selection process, they argued, was conducted in strict adherence to the Service Rules of 2022, with the committee evaluating candidates based on comprehensive criteria including technical expertise, leadership ability, management skills and corporate competence.
After this thorough evaluation, Dr Joshi was found to be the most suitable candidate for the position.
After hearing extensive arguments from both parties, the Division Bench directed the interim suspension of the CAT Hyderabad order dated December 29, 2025.
The Court directed the Union of India to file its response within four weeks, allowing for a complete examination of the matter before making a final determination. This interim order effectively restores Dr Joshi to his position while the legal proceedings continue.
The Division Bench passed these orders while adjudicating two Writ Petitions filed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman DRDO, Director General of Human Resources DRDO, and the Director of Personnel DRDO.
Another writ petition was filed by Dr Jaiteerth Joshi in his capacity as Director General of Brahmos.
Both petitions sought a stay on the operation of the Central Administrative Tribunal Hyderabad order, which the Court has now granted through its interim suspension order.
