Delhi High Court Order on Dugga Challenged by Centre, SC Steps In

In a high‑profile legal battle, the Supreme Court has intervened after the central government filed a petition against the Delhi High Court’s order to reinstate IAS officer Rinku Dugga. The High Court had upheld the Central Administrative Tribunal’s directive to restore Dugga’s service, overturning her forced retirement under FR 56 (J).

The apex court bench, including Justices Joymalya Baghchi and N.V. Anjaria, issued a notice to the Union government, requesting its stance on the matter. The case, which stems from a 2022 incident where Dugga and her husband were accused of vacating Tyagaraj Stadium to walk their pet, will now be reconsidered on October 13. The government’s challenge centers on alleged deficiencies in Dugga’s service record, a claim that the tribunal previously dismissed.