New Delhi (14.10.2025): The President of India, in exercise of powers conferred under Rule-3 of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969, has revoked the suspension of IAS officer Arava Gopi Krishna (2012: AGMUT).
The suspension was initially ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in August 2022, following a recommendation from Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The Govt extended his suspension multiple times since its imposition.
At the time, the officer was serving as the Excise Commissioner of Delhi, and the action was taken due to his alleged involvement in "serious lapses" and irregularities concerning the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, pending disciplinary proceedings.
The revocation of the suspension comes after a protracted legal battle. In 2023, the officer challenged the extension of his suspension before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Principal Bench. In August 2024, the CAT ordered that his suspension be set aside and directed his reinstatement into service with all consequential benefits.
The MHA subsequently challenged the CAT's order in the Delhi High Court. However, the High Court dismissed the Ministry's Writ Petition and ruled that the period of suspension of Arava Gopi Krishna should not be extended further.
After reviewing the facts and circumstances of the case, the MHA decided to comply with the directions issued by the Delhi High Court this year, leading to the President’s order to revoke Gopi Krishna’s suspension with immediate effect.
