MHA directs three IAS officers to immediately join their new postings
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed three IAS officers of the AGMUT cadre to immediately join their new postings, declaring they “stand relieved” from the Delhi Government with effect from February 24, 2026, after they failed to comply with earlier transfer orders.
As per the MHA’s order, Directorate of Information and Publicity (DIP) director Sushil Singh has been transferred to Mizoram. Deputy Commissioner MCD KC Surender has been transferred to Puducherry, while Pranjal J Hazarika has been transferred to Jammu and Kashmir.
In an order issued on April 14, 2026, the ministry said the decision was taken with the approval of the competent authority after it was found that the officers were not relieved by the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi despite clear instructions. According to MHA’s sources, they have been instructed to report to their new places of posting immediately and inform the ministry once they assume charge. The ministry also stated that no requests for cancellation or deferment of the transfers will be entertained. It said any representation seeking to delay or stay the orders will not be considered under any circumstances.
The ministry noted that the transfers were originally ordered on February 24, 2026, but the officers remained in Delhi beyond the prescribed timeline. The ministry cited the 2016 guidelines governing the transfer and posting of IAS and IPS officers of the AGMUT cadre. These rules mandate that officers must be relieved within 15 days of the transfer order so that they can take up their new assignments without delay.
It said that failure to follow transfer instructions can lead to strict administrative action. In such cases, officers are deemed to be relieved automatically.
The ministry warned that continued non-compliance may result in measures such as stoppage of salary, issuance of displeasure, and denial of promotion or central deputation opportunities. Disciplinary proceedings may also be initiated.
Additional details from official records show that the ministry has also issued a broader transfer order involving several other IAS officers of the AGMUT cadre. These include Rajeeva Shukla, Vivek Agarwal, Anoop Thakur, Saumyaketu Mishra, Asha Choudhary Malhotra, Vikas Ahlawat, and D. Karthikeyan.
