Serious Constitutional Controversy Over Tamil Nadu Government’s Apex Committee Meeting Held Despite DoPT Rejection

New Delhi: The Government of India, through the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), by its official order dated 21.11.2025, categorically rejected the proposal submitted by the Government of Tamil Nadu for granting Additional Chief Secretary / Apex Scale promotions to 1995 batch IAS officers.

The DoPT rejection clearly records violations of Rule 12(7) of the IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016 and notes that Apex Scale posts in Tamil Nadu are already far beyond the permissible statutory limits. Despite this binding rejection, the Government of Tamil Nadu has proceeded to convene a Screening / Apex Committee meeting scheduled for 29.12.2025, raising serious constitutional and administrative concerns.

What has further escalated the controversy is the invitation extended to Shri S. Gopalakrishnan, IAS, currently serving as Chairman, SSC, Government of India, to participate in the said meeting, without any demonstrated approval or clearance from the DoPT or the Union Government.

Legal experts point out that such participation, if undertaken without Central approval, may amount to violations of: • AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968 • IAS (Pay) Rules, 2016 • Binding Central Government directions and may undermine the supremacy of Union control over All India Services. In this backdrop, Chennai-based Advocate Mr. M. Balakrishnan has filed a detailed and evidence-backed complaint before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), seeking a full, independent and time-bound inquiry. Sources further indicate that related proceedings have also been initiated before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court.

Legal observers emphasize that only a CBI investigation can uncover:

• Why a meeting was convened after DoPT rejection,

• Why a serving Central Government Secretary proposed to attend without approval,

• Whether any larger irregularities or misuse of authority are involved.

The issue has now assumed national significance, touching upon constitutional discipline, federal supremacy, and the integrity of the All India Services framework.