RAS Association Submits ₹2 Lakh Penalty in IAS Promotion Case

Jaipur, April 24 In compliance with a Supreme Court directive, the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) Association has deposited a penalty amount of ₹2 lakh with the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority. The payment was made as part of a legal resolution related to a petition filed by the association challenging promotions from non-RAS services to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Background: Legal Challenge Against Non-RAS to IAS Promotions

The RAS Association had earlier contested the validity of promotions granted to officers from non-RAS backgrounds into the IAS cadre. The Rajasthan High Court, in its December 5, 2024 judgment, upheld the legality of these promotions and imposed a penalty of ₹5 lakh on the association, citing malicious intent and misuse of judicial process aimed at protecting personal interests.

The High Court emphasized that the association’s petition appeared to be driven by a desire to monopolize IAS promotions exclusively for RAS officers, rather than on legal merit.

Supreme Court Upholds Decision, Reduces Fine

Upon appeal, the Supreme Court of India upheld the Rajasthan High Court’s judgment affirming the legitimacy of the promotions. However, it reduced the penalty from ₹5 lakh to ₹2 lakh, noting that the state government had adhered to the proper rules and procedures in promoting officers from non-RAS services.

Penalty Paid and Case Disposed

Following the Supreme Court’s directive, the RAS Association submitted the revised amount and presented the official receipt to the Rajasthan High Court. A division bench of Justices Avneesh Jhingan and Shubha Mehta noted the compliance and disposed of the association’s plea accordingly.

This legal episode marks a significant development in Rajasthan’s administrative framework, reinforcing the legitimacy of inclusive promotion practices and discouraging litigation filed for vested interests.