Centre asks Somesh Kumar to join AP govt by 12 Jan

Hyderabad: After the Telangana High Court passed an order asking chief secretary Somesh Kumar to return to his original cadre allotment in Andhra Pradesh, the Union government has issued orders reliving Mr. Kumar of his duties. He has been asked to join the Andhra Pradesh government by 12 January.

"In compliance with the aforesaid judgment, the officer concerned (Shri Somesh Kumar, IAS, AP:89) stands relieved from the State Government of Telangana, with immediate effect. He is to be directed to join the State Government of Andhra Pradesh, latest by 12.01.2023," read the government order.

On Tuesday, the Telangana High Court issued a key verdict on the Somesh Kumar cadre allotment dispute. The High Court Bench led by Justice Ujwal Bhuya set aside the orders of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). Somesh Kumar's allocation to Telangana has been cancelled.

Mr. Kumar's counsel requested the court to suspend the execution of the order for three weeks. The High Court Bench rejected the counsel's plea and did not give any time. The CJ Bench directed Mr. Kumar to go and join the AP cadre as soon as the copy of the verdict is received Mr. Kumar will now have to approach the Supreme Court challenging the Telangana High Court's verdict.

Mr. Kumar was assigned to AP by the Center during the bifurcation of the state. Earlier, CAT had given orders to stop the Center's orders and continue in Telangana. Mr. Kumar had continued in Telangana with CAT interim orders.