AAP government withdraws appointment of MK Meena; Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal vs L-G Najeeb Jung feud continues

NEW DELHI: AAP-ruled Delhi government on Tuesday withdrew the appointment of L-G Najeeb Jung backed IPS Officer MK Meena as Jt. CP (ACB), arguing he “cannot hold a nonexistent post”. In a repeat of the past flashpoint, it also transferred the principal secretary (home) who had issued the orders on L-G’s behalf, giving CM Arvind Kejriwal’s secretary Rajendra Kumar additional charge of the post. Later, L-G rejected the order. “Order…dated 8/6/2015 regarding Shri MK Meena (IPS: 1989), looking after the work of Joint Commissioner of Police, Anti-Corruption Branch, is hereby withdrawn. This issues with the approval of competent authority,” the terse single-page order issued from the home department of the Delhi government said.

According to the vigilance department sources, the ‘competent authority’ in question was director (vigilance) Sukesh Kumar Jain who, in a separate letter sent directly to controversial IPS officer Meena, had earlier said, “I am directed to inform you that there is only one post of Additional Commissioner of Police in the Anti-Corruption Branch of GNCTD... As there is no such sanctioned post, you cannot take charge or hold a nonexistent post.” Jain further adds, “I am, therefore, directed to ask you to revert to the Delhi Police.”

Despite AAP’s order, both Meena and Delhi Police Chief BS Bassi insisted that the appointment was valid and continued to hold since the ‘competent authority’ had issued it. “I am still holding the charge. I am acting as per law, I will continue to do so,” Meena said. Sources in the Delhi government said Meena had meetings with ACB officials. Vigilance department officers said the order had not settled the question of appointment.

Despite repeated attempts, the L-G’s office could not be reached for comment on the order from the AAP government.