Sanjiv Chaturvedi moves court alleging Modi government rendering him "jobless"

NEW DELHI: At a time when Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party and the Centre are embroiled in a tug-ofwar over powers to transfer officials, Kejriwal’s favourite officer, Sanjiv Chaturvedi, whom he wants as his OSD, has moved court alleging that the Narendra Modi government, "acting in an arbitrary and malafide manner, has rendered him jobless".

Chaturvedi, who was serving as chief vigilance officer ( CVO) of AIIMS, has moved the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) saying that he is feeling "humiliated" as the basic work which he was mandated with at the time of his appointment (CVO) has not been assigned to him till date.

He has also sought quashing of Manoj Jhalani’s appointment as the new CVO, alleging that the same has been made by the Centre in violation of rules and the vigilance manual. Taking note, the CAT has sought responses from the Central Vigilance Commission, ministry of health, its secretary and the current CVO, Jhalani.

The respondents have been asked to explain why IFS officer Chaturvedi should not be allocated the work stipulated in his appointment letter and as to why Jhalani's appointment as CVO should not be quashed. The court has given the ministry two days to explain why an interim direction should not be issued vide which the Centre and health ministry will be restrained from taking any "coercive action" against Chaturvedi.

He has also challenged an order dated May 15 vide which says all files and work currently being routed through him will now be directly sent from his subordinate officers to his superior. Vide this order, he has contended that he has been rendered "jobless".