Rare Strict Action: Centre Removes IAS Officer Padma Jaiswal Over Corruption Charges After 18-Year Probe

In an exceptionally rare administrative move against the country’s top bureaucracy, the Central Government of India has ordered the formal removal of senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Padma Jaiswal from service. The decisive action follows a prolonged 18-year disciplinary and legal battle involving allegations of corruption, fund misappropriation, and abuse of official power.

At the time of her dismissal in mid-May 2026, Jaiswal was serving as the Special Secretary in the Administrative Reforms Department of the Delhi government.

📋 Profile of the Officer

• Batch & Cadre: 2003-batch IAS officer belonging to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories) cadre.
• Academic Background: An accomplished academic record holding a B.Com (Accountancy), an M.Com (Management), an MBA, and a certified Company Secretary (CS) credential from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
• Career Span: Over two decades of public service, during which she held key directorial and secretarial portfolios across multiple territories, including Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Puducherry, and Delhi.

⚖️ Origin of the Case: The Arunachal Pradesh Tenure

The severe disciplinary action traces back nearly two decades to her early career postings:

• The Allegations (2007–2008): While serving as the Deputy Commissioner of the West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh, local residents filed formal complaints in February 2008. The petitions accused Jaiswal of misusing her official position, diverting government revenue, and misappropriating approximately ₹28 lakh.
• Investigating Agencies: A subsequent Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe alleged that portions of the siphoned public revenue were utilized to acquire real estate properties under the names of her close relatives.
• Initial Penalties: Jaiswal was placed under suspension in April 2008, though the suspension was later revoked in October 2010 while formal inquiries remained active under Rule 8 of the All-India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules.

🏛️ Chronology of the Long-Drawn Legal Battle

The administrative process faced severe delays due to a complex tug-of-war regarding jurisdictional powers over Union Territory cadre officials.

1. The UPSC and CVC Oversight

Following a detailed review of the evidence, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) rigorously backed the allegations. The UPSC explicitly recommended a major penalty: complete removal from the civil services.

2. The CAT Jurisdictional Twist

The disciplinary proceedings hit a major roadblock when the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) quashed the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) actions. The tribunal ruled that the MHA did not possess the specific jurisdiction required to initiate such proceedings against an AGMUT cadre official in this context, effectively stalling the case for years.

3. The Delhi High Court Reversal

Refusing to back down, the Union Government challenged the tribunal's order. On April 1, 2026, the Delhi High Court delivered a landmark verdict in favor of the Centre. The High Court observed that the CAT had "erred" in its legal interpretation and ordered the immediate restoration of the disciplinary proceedings to their original state.

4. Final Presidential Approval (May 2026)

With the legal hurdle cleared by the High Court, the MHA finalized its penalty recommendation. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), which functions directly under the Prime Minister, processed the dismissal file. The President of India granted final executive approval, officially ousting the officer.