The officer had been served a minor penalty in the past related to an alleged two-year discrepancy in her date of birth, an issue that reportedly resulted in her losing two consecutive increments.

Following the penalty, the official had mounted a multi-layered challenge, taking her case to the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). However, after the UPSC—the constitutional body responsible for approving such punitive actions against senior civil servants—gave its final assent last week, the government proceeded with the compulsory retirement order.

While the government’s action appears final, a section of insiders suggests the legal avenues for the official are not entirely closed. She still holds the option to challenge the compulsory retirement in the higher judiciary, potentially opening another chapter in the dispute.