Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday directed the State Advocate General to examine the High Court judgement setting aside the appointment of Suresh Kumar as Chief Principal Secretary to the Punjab CM and suggest further legal remedies.
An official spokesperson said the Chief Minister has also asked Advocate General Atul Nanda to analyse the court’s order in detail and ascertain the grounds cited by the judges to quash Kumar’s appointment.
Government would examine the detailed judgement, said the spokesperson, adding that further legal avenues would be explored to decide on the future course of action.
The spokesperson pointed out that both Government of India and State Governments have been appointing retired civil servants as Principal Staff Officers. The Prime Minister’s Office has a well-established tradition of over two decades of appointing retired civil servants as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister.
The government statement said Suresh Kumar, a 1983 batch IAS officer, was appointed to the key post on account of his caliber and excellent track record in important roles, the spokesperson said, asserting that the Chief Minister’s decision to name the officer as his Chief Principal Secretary was motivated by the need to have a qualified, experienced and trusted officer in this vital position.