Senior IPS officer Vartika Katiyar has taken legal action against her recent transfer by the Karnataka government. She moved the Central Administrative Tribunal on Monday, directly challenging the decision made after violent incidents rocked Ballari district.
CAT Issues Interim Order Protecting Officer
The Central Administrative Tribunal responded quickly to Katiyar's petition. A bench headed by member Sanjiv Kumar and Justice S Sujatha issued specific directions to the state government. They ordered authorities not to take any precipitative action against Katiyar for not reporting to her new posting. This protection will remain in effect until the next hearing scheduled for January 19.
Transfer Follows Deadly Ballari Violence
The government transferred Vartika Katiyar just days after violent clashes occurred in Ballari on January 1. The disturbances claimed the life of Congress worker Rajashekar Reddy during conflicts over banner installations. Katiyar served as Deputy Inspector General of the Ballari range since July last year before her sudden reassignment to the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement.
Police authorities also suspended Ballari Superintendent of Police Pavan Nejjur around the same time. They took this action just one day after he assumed charge, citing negligence in duty performance. The violence quickly assumed political dimensions with BJP and Congress leaders exchanging accusations. Investigators subsequently handed the case to the Criminal Investigation Department for thorough examination.
Questioning the Transfer Timing
Sources reveal significant concerns about the transfer's timing and justification. The central government established clear rules in 2014 prohibiting IPS officer transfers within two years of appointment. Katiyar received her transfer orders after only six months in the Ballari position, raising questions about procedural compliance.
A home department source confirmed the transfer occurred without stated reasons. When journalists questioned Home Minister G Parameshwara about the rationale, he offered a terse response. "Yes, she has been transferred. Why should we give any explanation? We have transferred," Parameshwara stated. He added that people could interpret the decision as they wished while noting the Chief Minister oversees the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms.
Police Community Expresses Discontent
Senior police officers have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the government's handling of this situation. One officer highlighted Katiyar's presence at the violence scene and her effective management of the crisis. "She was at the spot and contained the situation," the officer explained. "While the SP faced suspension following negligence reports, Katiyar actually handled the situation well."
The officer suggested political motivations might underlie the transfer decision. "It looks more like a political decision, just like how IPS officers were suspended after the Bengaluru stampede," they observed. Many within the IPS community reportedly share this perception of unfair treatment.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
Katiyar formally approached the CAT with a case filed against the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms. She seeks relief through proper legal channels, questioning the transfer's validity under established service rules. Her petition argues the transfer violates the two-year protection period mandated for IPS officers.
The tribunal's interim order creates a temporary shield for Katiyar while the legal process unfolds. All eyes now turn to the January 19 hearing where both sides will present detailed arguments. This case could establish important precedents regarding police officer transfers and political interference in administrative decisions.
Meanwhile, the Ballari violence investigation continues under CID supervision. The incident's political ramifications keep tensions elevated between major political parties in Karnataka. How the government responds to the CAT's directions will reveal much about administrative transparency and respect for institutional processes.
